The Ghost Train

On a cold winter night on a carpet of white
The lights of the fairground entrance
We see in the wind if we keep our eyes skinned
Those flickering shadows that dance
And then there's the noise – that sublimest of joys
That always draws everyone in
Out of the snow and into the glow
And so let this story begin

When bathing in light, we often lose sight
Of the cold and the darkness outside
And so it was here, when the old puppeteer
Smiled as he called to the bride
"Forget all of this," – he blew her a kiss
As he pulled at her taffeta sleeve
"You need have no fear, but hurry, my dear!
The Ghost Train is waiting to leave"

He took her by hand, and as he had planned
He bowed and he took her bouquet
She did not resist; she couldn't desist
As swiftly he led her away
Down a gossamer lane where time was a stain
And even the light was defiled
To follow the fates. The Ghost Train awaits
The innocent laugh of a child

Her eyes opened wide as the fairy lights died
The moment he bolted the door
The train pulled away without any delay
As it had done those years before
And then came the wails, the clatter of rails
Drowning the piercing screams
Fear and dread on the night of the dead
Nightmares replacing her dreams

After twists, and the tacks of the tortuous tracks
The train began losing her speed
It's All Hallows Eve, and we have to believe
That forces of evil succeed
And never forget the cold marionette
In the arms of a cruel puppeteer
Who, young once again, steps down from the train
Carrying his bride of the year