Page 50 - The English Carnival 7

The stroke of twelve — but there’s no clock!
He shuts the door and turns the lock

(of course he knows that no-one’s there,
but no harm’s done by taking care!);
someone’s outside the silly joker,
(he may as well pick up the poker!)

That noise again! He checks the doors,
shutters the windows, makes a pause
to seek the safest place to hide —
(the cupboard’s strong — he creeps inside).

Not that there’s anything to fear‘
he tells himself, when at his ear
a voice breathes softly,How do you do!
I am the ghost. Pray who are you?´

–Dr. Raymond Wilson

Word Meanings

tittle-tattle gossip or idle chatter

hunchback a person with a hump on its back, often due to a spinal
deformity

nudged pushed gently, typically with one’s elbow, to draw attention

superstition a belief or notion, often irrational, that is not based on reason
or scientific knowledge

creeps moves slowly and stealthily, often with a sense of unease
cupboard a cabinet or enclosed storage space with shelves or compartments

for storing items
scoffs expresses contempt or derision; mocks

poker a long, thin metal rod used for stirring a fire or moving burning
material

refuge a place of shelter or safety

eerie strange and frightening in a way that is mysterious

48