The Hamlet Project

Ghosts tend to tell the truth – as if in life
the truth was shackled inside the body
covered with a thin veneer of lies
and as soon as the life has been released,
the truth flies free like a bird from a jasmine bush.
One of the few advantages of death would seem to be
the removal of social constraints and niceties. Maybe it’s like being very drunk, there’s no restraint on the tongue, no further will to lie
or position one’s self in the game.
I wonder though, if some ghosts, constrained by truth throughout their lives, might find death gives them great opportunity and freedom to lie.
“Mark, me, Traveler. I was the King of Schneckendorf when I lived.
Quake in your boots, bow to me – for yea, even in death I have magical powers.
I was very definitely not a blacksmith in life. No, no.
I’m here to tell you where my kingly treasure lies buried.
Tremble and note – lo, for it shall come to you if you pay close attention.
And I am definitely not yanking your chain on this. I very definitely did not
Make chains when I lived. Treasure. King of Schneckendorf Right Here.”