Marking Time part #2 1/2 the ghost

the house had a wicked cold spot
in the kitchen, in front of the stairs down,
from around it came whisperings soft
the cold spot so thick you could drown.

every night phantom foot steps climbed
the creaky front porch stair opening the door
heard from above, the three of them reacted
on this ghost proclaiming the art of war.

next night hearing the footsteps,
the three in bed clothes hastily went
down to the kitchen armed with hammer,
wrench, and fishing net which was bent.

slowly, single file, creeping down basement stairs
first peering down after flipping on the light.
looking extremely silly the trio did not know,
they were scared senseless and feeding
on the creepiness of the house and each others fright

never did they discover who, or what had gone before
just a set of footprints, and mouse droppings in the dust
and a small "velvet painting" (leaning against a chair)
of a beautiful face, and her fiery hair of flowing rust.