Welsh Journals

No Strange Ghost (From an old Note-book.) TOO, would have been troubled by The why of it and whence, The eerie silence, clammy touch, The tension, the suspense Had I not known 'twas no strange ghost I met upon my way From Pontypridd to Pantybrad One moon-lit night in May. It came towards me; I was thrilled, Alone with the Alone, Its strong, determined countenance Pale 'neath the gibbous moon. Often I'd heard the lore which said Whoever walked by night From Pontypridd to Pantybrad Would stop the heart with fright. # There was no fear-dew on my brow Trickling down cheek to chin As it came slowly-step by step, Our distance closing in. No sigh of rill, still as the grave, No sound except it be The sudden shuddering of the leaves Upon some troubled tree Hold Breath Supernal visitant! Of Things to come the Shape; Terror unmasking secret crime From whence there's no escape O nightmare world Turn back, turn back To venture is not wise Lest in the creepy clutch of Awe Thy blood should turn to ice!