Written for Living Poetry. Bartholomew asks
us to write a poem inspired by this image:
The Tongue-Out Ghost (left)
I’m the scariest spook in the whole haunted wood,
With my tongue hanging out like a real phantom should.
I’ll float through your house and I’ll rattle your chains,
Right after I’m done sniffing all of these leaves
and chasing that squirrel.
(It doesn’t quite rhyme, but I’m a dog. Who complains?)
The Grinning Ghost (middle)
They said, “Look terrifying!” I gave it my best,
But I can’t stop smiling, I’m simply too blessed.
“Boo!” Was that right? “BOO!” Was that loud?
Somebody please tell me I’m making you proud.
The Unimpressed Ghost (right)
I did not agree to this bedsheet affair.
There’s a leaf on my head and a bug in my hair.
I’ll sit for the photo, I’ll hold the pose still,
But I’m billing the humans in treats, yes I will.
The Pumpkin
Hollow inside, with a fire in my head,
Carved up by humans and left here for dead,
Yet these three in sheets get the oohs and the aahs?
I’m the true horror here. I just lack the paws.
NAR©2026
This is “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated, and may not be used without permission. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
