Our Spectral Guest Poem by L MILTON HANKINS

We called our Bed and Breakfast the Presidents' House
A sprawling antebellum Italianate with a rich historical past
Our guests tasted nourishing meals of presidential repast
Served by an eighteenth century-adorned raconteur, my
spouse.
Our guest house was known for its spectral residents merry
Many we met, got to know, and interacted with over the years
Some got acquainted with our guests if they showed no fears
Prominent to visit from the house of the dead was Ms Jerri.
She was sassy, mischievous; at times playful and sweet
Until meeting Jerri and friends some were reluctant to believe
Guests agreed what the mind believes the eyes can achieve
A female guest became quite ill and chose to stay in her suite
She got over her flu and came down to breakfast one day,
Wanting to know who had visited her and massaged her feet.
She insisted this was one fine woman she wanted, in person,
to meet.
We told her then about Ms Jerri our shadowy spirit's stay.