text: Ghosts are just like any of you. We say “good morning” and “have a lovely day” like any normal person. We wave and smile, or at least try to. In conversation, I’m barely there, but trust me, I’m listening. My voice box has recently gone out of order, so you won’t be getting any participation on my end. It’s always a pleasure, though, to hear the latest rundown of the news or stories about your weekend. I’d love to connect with you, but you should know we’re from different dimensions. The life of a phantom ain’t so bad. I’m unbothered and do whatever I want! Floating above you all, I get a wonderful view. Sightseeing has been my newfound passion. During my subway cruises, I get to see a bunch of funny faces. And if I’m lucky, a drunk wacko will dance in the streets. It’s moments like these where a smile feels genuine. On weekends, a seat by the ocean with a good book fills the void that my day-to-day doesn’t. Since my death earlier this year, I’ve lost touch with my emotions. I don’t get scared or excited like I used to. Sometimes, loneliness will creep up, so I look back over old pictures with the kind of fondness a mother has for her child. Memories of my past life give me a sense of accomplishment. Like I truly meant something. But, now that I’m dead, I know I won’t be making souvenirs anytime soon. One day, I hope I can live again. For real this time. Maybe I could meet a girl that’ll spark my heart. I’ve always wondered what it was like to hold someone’s hand as you run off in the sunset. Inspiring! I could only imagine. If I’d magically revive, I would take over the world. I’d fix up my act and save enough money to move to LA. Then, I’d join a band and live like there’s no tomorrow. But let’s face it, I’ve always been one with wishful thinking. This is my life now. Cold and empty. And there’s nothing I could do about it. All the action lies in the underworld. Here, I’ve made friends with millions of bizarre characters. Mummies fall in love with sirens, witches cast spells on tin men, hellhounds give the best cuddles, and demons know how to party. It’s a shame they can’t access the surface as I can. They’re having fun down here, so why would they want to anyway? The burden’s mine. I sail through both worlds but don’t have the strength to pick up a drink in either. I’m just a sad pair of eyes. I like to think I’m a good soul. I have the ability to possess human spirits, and whenever I do, I try to uplift the host’s brain. When I control bodies, I tap dance or sing profusely. It makes me happy to believe I make a positive impact, even if it’s just for a short period. By the end, I’m fulfilled and the mortal is entertained. It’s a fair trade if you ask me. If I can’t live for myself, then I will live for others.