London Ghost Poem by Cherie Mort

You flit about my apartment, murmuring odd mutterings to yourself such as,
''What is this strange contraption? I've never seen anything like it in my life'' as you play with my equipment
But you're not alive, are you?
No, you've been gone a very long time
''Careful with that, '' I say to you, walking by with a box full of more oddities. ''You don't exactly understand what you're dealing with.''
You look up at me, miffed
''Well of course I don't! You're a grade A modern witch! Who else could possibly understand these contraptions? ''
''Modern London dwellers, '' I answer calmly as I put the box down. ''A good deal of them own things like these.''
''But what are they? , '' you ask impatiently.
I sigh and sit down on the sheet-covered couch. You hover in front of me, arms folded
''They're camera equipment. I use them to take pictures of things I see.''
''But why? Why not enjoy things as they come and go? ''
''I do, but these help me remember all the things I've enjoyed.''
You're silent for a moment before you timidly ask me,
''Do you think it could help other people see me? And, perhaps, remember me? ''
''It might, '' I say, '' but there's no guarantee it'll work.''
''Please, can we try? '' you plead with me. You look so lost and forlorn that I can't possibly refuse
''Okay, '' I say. ''So, where would you like your picture taken? ''
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I check the settings on my camera as you fly about under the bridge, wringing your hands nervously
''What if it doesn't work? What if no one is able to see me? '' you ask worriedly
''Then it doesn't work. And if not, we'll find something else that will.'' I hesitate before I speak again, ''You know, I could always paint you, if you like.''
You frown
''No, no, that would never do. I might not like how you portray me.''
I sigh and look up, finally done fiddling around with the camera
''Okay, now smile.'' You give a watery grimace and I tell you, ''Something a little more pleasant would be nice, please.''
Scowling, you say, ''Well it's not everyday that someone's apparition is photographed by their death place. Have some compassion, will you? I'm nervous.''
''Naturally, '' I drawl, ''now look this way, please.''
You muster the best smile you can, and I take the photo. I look at the film to see that you have indeed been recorded. Better yet, you look peaceful.
''It's perfect, '' I say as I show you the picture. You take a look, somewhat satisfied with how it turned out.
''I just wish I didn't look so garish in this light. Just look at it, I'm hideous! I look like, like a...''
''A ghost, '' I say, ''a pretty peaceful ghost. Personally, I like this picture. I think it's really quite becoming.''
You make a moue of disagreement, before asking, ''Do you really think that? ''
''Of course, '' I say. ''Anyone who looks at it will love you. Anyone who's wise enough to recognize such beauty, anyway.''
You smile gratefully, looking as peaceful as your picture.
''Thank you, '' you say softly
''My pleasure, '' I reply as you dissolve into the mist of the river.
Walking back home, I take out the small, glowing green hourglass around my neck. Some of the sand has already retreated to the top layer, giving me more time. I smile, to think of how lucky I am to know of all the time I have left, and murmur to myself, ''One down, more to go. Time to save more souls.''