December 1958 School Magazine

Brisban(l Girls' Grammar School Mag.crzine

December, !958

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Decemb2r, 195B

HAPPY HAUNTING! Ghosts present themselves to different people in different ways. Of course, in the encouraging light of day, we all reiterate that such things are stuff and nonsense, but if, on a gloomy staircase at midnight. we saw a spectral figure shim- mer in the shadows, would we be so certain? I doubt it. The most common type of ghost is the one that flits in and out of bell towers, especially at hallowe'en, looking like some- thing in a too-large nightshirt. This variety is accredited with ihe ability to make a weird sound similar to that of the wind blowing through the trees . On a higher plane of ghost society are the ghosts who iake human form, usually those of people who have been murdered or wronged in some way. These come back to haunt the wrong-doers and cause them to repent their dire deeds. ·Very often these ghosts are behind the times and haunt a house long after the original culprit has left. I really believe that these ghcsts must be in league with estate agents or prospective buyers, for, after a few visitations from super- natural beings, the owners usually move to a distant part of ihe country. Perhaps one of the most famous of this last type is Lady Jane Grey, who haunts the vicinity of the Tower of London with her head tucked underneath her arm. The Tower of london is a favourite s tamping ground for ghosts because, 1 suppose, of the many dark murders committed there. How- ever, as the wrong-doers are long since dead, the ghosts of ihe victims probably wander around mournfully with no one · io haunt. A happier conclusion is that they worry the ghosts of the murderers. Such a situation could become very com- plicated. In each variety there are the shy ghosts, who are usually reticent about showing themselves. Perhaps some of the night- :shirt type are bashful about their apparel. Whatever the reason, they usually content themselves with rattling chains, cpening and shutting creaky doors and making so much noise the person dwelling in the house is unable to sleep. Some -go to the extent of smashing flower vases and the expensive china ranged across the cabinet, but this is pure vandalism, though maybe the ghost has merely taken an aversion to the household cat or dog, and harbours a malicious desire to cause the pet · to be punished. In old English manors, the ,conditions are extremely favourable for the slamming doors practice, while Norman castles are popular with ghosts who prefer the clanging chains method. 45

ONE SUMMER D.I\Y

A loud, unceasing roar, cut b y shouts Of paper boys, and screeching brakes and clanging Trams and thundering trucks, tortured the ears Of people crossing streets in surging waves. A thick, close, suffocating smell clutched men And women, girls and boys, while the heat, Shimmering and blinding with its g lare the eyes; And parching with its fiery breath the throats; And burning with its fiery b reath the skin; Seared a bunch of faded, drooping roses. Hurried footsteps beating out the time Cla ttered and crashed in tired shoppers ' heads, Until the aching throb dulled their senses, And groping darkness cloaked the crusted streets, Then the day was done; the city slept.

-J. KeUy, !VB.

- Marilyn Coomber, IIIE.

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