A Boggart's Bane

"RAVFFE RADCLIFFE LAID THIS STONE TO LYE FOR EVER A.D. 1655."
Inscribed stone, Dilworth, Lancashire

"Rest perturbed spirit."
Shakespeare, Hamlet

Because you threw my things about,
you got my goat! My entire pantry,
my kit and caboodle, my pewter

tankards and stoneware dishes,
my hot toddy and my beef stew.
Aye, aye, I've had enough of you!

Evil spirit that you are,
come after me if you dare!
Let's declare a truce,
if I canna get you in a noose,

if I canna stamp you out,
get you out of my manse,
get you off my hands!

I will inscribe this stone.
Leave it forever in this bank.
Let it be our secret alone!

Christopher T. George