Ghosts by Fannie Stearns Davis
"Ghosts" by Fannie Stearns Davis is a poem that explores themes of fear, memory, and longing. The speaker expresses an apprehension towards the wind and the night, which seem to carry the presence of ghosts. These ghosts are not malevolent spirits but rather the memories of loved ones who have passed away. The speaker sits in a quiet, dimly lit house, surrounded by books and the ticking of a clock, feeling a sense of unease despite the comforting environment. The poem delves into the tension between the desire to reconnect with these lost loved ones and the fear of confronting their absence. The speaker recounts a dream where the ghosts returned, bringing joy and familiarity, yet there is an underlying dread about their potential return in reality. The poem captures the complex emotions of grief, where the yearning for the presence of the deceased is intertwined with the pain of their loss.
By Fannie Stearns Davis · First published 1913 · Genre: Gothic, Horror, Supernatural Fiction · 230 words
First lines
I am almost afraid of the wind out there. The dead leaves skip on the porches bare, The windows clatter and whine. I sit Here in the quiet house, low-lit, With the clock that ticks and the books that stand, Wise and silent, on every hand.
I am almost afraid, though I know the night Lets no ghosts walk in the warm lamp-light. Yet ghosts there are; and they drift and blow Out in the wind and the scattering snow. -- When I open the windows and go to bed Will the ghosts come in and stand at my head?
What this Textopian page supports
Ghosts is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fannie Stearns Davis, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fannie Stearns Davis
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Horror, Supernatural Fiction, Poetry, Literary Fiction
- Length: 230 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ghosts by Fannie Stearns Davis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Gothic — The work's eerie atmosphere, spectral imagery, and focus on haunting presences embody Gothic traditions.
- Horror — The underlying tension, fear of the unknown, and ghostly elements evoke classic horror themes.
- Supernatural Fiction — The narrative centers on paranormal occurrences and ghostly figures, key aspects of supernatural fiction.
- Poetry — The work's structure, rhythmic language, and vivid imagery signify its identity as a poetic composition.
Tags
supernatural · paranormal · haunting · mystery · suspense · eerie · otherworldly · spectral · psychological · thriller · unsettling · occult