Party

Ghosts loom in the darkness
dancing above my head
waiting for the key moment
to pound the tambourine.

Freezing to feverish in five seconds,
I throw the covers off
and pray for a restful sleep,
free from the taunting gathering.

But my ignorance and denial
would keep me unconscious during the day
if I could somehow make these dreams go away.

Until I talk to the ghosts,
quiet each individually,
I'll be forced to watch
their horrible, happy party,
and listen to the jingle of the tambourine.