Grandfather Clock

Grandfather clock

grandfather clock

it don’t tick

it don’t tock.

It  is a home

to a little ghost

he calls me,

“My silly host.”

Ghost is naughty

he keeps mocking

when I am busy

he never stops talking.

When days are hot

he sneaks into refrigerator

he quietly sips juices

at his princely leisure.

Mother thinks it’s me

playing a prank

and for missing juices

I get a spank.

Ghost loves it and

has a hearty laugh

he keeps at mischiefs

that put me off.

One day he slipped

into my schoolbag

he cleaned out lunch

from my lunch pack.

One day he messed up

all my school notes

he nibbled my books

like a hungry goat.

I got punished for

no rhyme or reason

and in a wild anger

I teach him a lesson.

I close all windows

and off goes light

I let lose my dogs

who begin to fight.

The room is dark

and dogs bark

ghost scampers

and hides in clock.

He is a real ghost

but is afraid of dark

he trembles in fear

when big dogs bark.

I have my revenge

I enjoy a sound sleep,

ghost in the clock

is scared even to peep.

© i b arora