the ghost who haunts the old clubhouse

at my old playground

where everything is silent

I wear my white shirt

and my feathered hat

 

rust spreads through the metal

the grass carpet worn out of touch

no children have ever come here so far

I'm alone and happy

 

by the bridge over the swimming pools

staring at myself on the water

I wave hi to myself

and the ripples waved back

 

I have my grey slippers on

and my yellow shorts

I bathe in the pool and no one is watching

I'm relieved

 

with my blue shirt and black shorts

through the garden there are people coming by

I hide behind the tree if sweet mangoes

unnoticed and unbothered, I sigh and retreat

 

this clubhouse is my safespace

where no one will ever find me

and judge me for being me

I just want to be free... and happy

 

through the ocean of crowds

I am a ghost

 

when alone and unbothered

I am me at the fullest