Published writing

The phantom ship sailed across the slippery floor, diving at every corner. Suddenly, a wicked laugh echoed through the library. Ghostly figures appeared before disappearing once more. “What was that?! Who was that?!” I questioned the ghost guide. He explained that they were Ghoala and Ghangaroo. They used to be the most respectful Aboriginal animals (mainly the koala and the kangaroo). PLOP! A piece of stinky, sticky eucalyptus poured onto my head sliming its way down my forehead. Gross! “Yeah, I should have mentioned they leave a eucalyptus trail behind. And when they attack they play a tune of Aboriginal music. Talk about creepy!” he advised me. The phantom ship swirled around when at a certain point it skiid to a stop. Faint Aboriginal tunes filled my ears as I listened closely. The music grew louder and louder heading towards us warningly. Without a second thought, I steered the wheel around the ship twisting us into a knot heading straight for the closed gates. “This is a phantom ship, right ghosty?” I asked. He nodded whilst shaking. “Then we should go right through those gates,” I concluded. Aiming for the doors, I pushed full speed ahead! We shot right through the gates banging against a pole. I pressed my ear onto the wall listening carefully for the Ghoala and Ghangaroo’s mischief. I peered into a gap in the door to reveal fire. Fire here and there. Fire everywhere! I noticed that they were burning colonial books to a crisp. Crashing the antiques that are related to the colonisers! Tying up the librarians who are the invaders’ descendants. They all had one thing in common – colonial history (or the invasion to be precise). This must be the explanation for all those seemingly silly, now realised true, rumours. In the folk tales, they claimed to have seen ghosts with furry ears and one with an extended tail! And the superstitions of the citizens, they believe that the ghosts in the folks tale captured the missing librarians!

The whole town for centuries has created ridiculous rumours. I mean, another ghost!? That’s like the gazillionth ghost we’ve heard so far. So I’m going to prove there is nothing to fear. In the dead of night, I crept past my parents trumpeting snores. I had arrived at the gate of the New South Wales State Library. Lightning thrashed behind my back sneakily. BAH! This is nothing! The moon revealed rows of sharp teeth in sight. The gate danced in the wind shivering me to the bone. Bat’s screeched in my ear, brushing my dripping forehead. Get a grip! I told myself in an instant. I tip-toed through the creaking door. Eerie whispers gripped onto me the entire time. “You’re here to prove this place isn’t haunted! Not be a scaredy cat the entire time!” I reminded myself. A shadow loomed over me as I flipped around. ARGH!!!!!!! There standing before my very eyes was a ghost hanging in mid-air! “Hello there! I’m your guide to the-” it began. Why had I suddenly stopped? I had fainted. When I came to, the piece of glowing sheets was still there. “Why a-are you h-here? Are y-you here to k-kill m-m-me!?” I whimpered. “HA HA HA HA!!!!” it laughed. It kind of reminded me when clowns laugh like a total maniac. Anyways, the ghost still hadn’t answered my question! It explained that it was the ghost guide of the Library! I was in shock! For years, I had believed ghosts weren't real. Now, I had met an actual ghost in the flesh! Well not really in the flesh because they're already dead. Suddenly, the etching of a ship was rising out of the ancient floor! It was truly an amazing sight. “Ah…Here’s our ride! Well then. Hop aboard!” the ghost exclaimed in glee. With caution, I climbed the rickety ladder onto the phantom-like ship. I was surprised it could still float around the entire trip considering its many holes. We passed the Mitchell Reading Room which was much of an interest to me.