The Scarcely-Seen Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

There are signs from past places that find us
Times from past phases that surprise us
Presences drawn from beyond the veil
From other lives, other planes, lost regions.

At the drop of a latch at midnight
The guttering of a spent candle
The start of a droplet of rain or blood
Can you sense them, the scarcely seen?

At the passing of the moon into cloud
The wolf's howling come to silence
The charcoal hand-print on the rock wall
Can you sense them, the scarcely seen?

At the black rising of the rookery
The alertness of the fox at earth-break
The dropping of the burning stave
Can you sense them, the scarcely seen?

At the failing of the winter sun
The gathering of bats in the eves
The hiding of vermin in the wainscot
Can you sense them, the scarcely seen?

At the enfolding onset of slumber,
As dreams are wrapped sleep-tight
And there is a sudden violent tumbling
Can you sense them, the scarcely seen?