by Julia Griffin

“‘Ghosts’ try to spook people off streets during coronavirus in Indonesia”
—CNN 

Enveloped in their winding sheets
With bunching folds up top,
They stalk the Indonesian streets
(Well, actually, they hop):

A sight to scare the least devout,
A terrible tableau,
A ruinous reminder out
Of Edgar Allan Poe.

O you whom Covid has not stopped,
Who never even blench:
Behold these apparitions propped
Upon a public bench;

Beware, proud fools who strut and brag:
Run home now and behave,
Or something in a long white bag
Will glare you to your grave!