I.

In my grandfather’s house

of antiques and dusty books,

his spirit sits

in the w

of his office.

When he gets up

for a drink—

curtains move,

floors creak.

II.

In my grandfather’s house,

his office was replaced

with a white-washed room,

now used for storage.

His chair was sold at auction

to a woman who said it

would look perfect

reupholstered.

III.

In my grandfather’s house

of linoleum floors

and shiny appliances,

you’ll find a young couple

and a baby in a bassinet

who’s always giggling,

reaching for my grandfather’s nose.

                   —  Clint Bowman 

Clint Bowman is a writer from Wallburg who now lives with his family in Black Mountain. His debut full-length collection of poetry, If Lost, was published in 2024 by Loblolly Press.