Leaving Behind the Endless Fields of Corn and Soybeans

Flickering Lights

I'm not afraid of the dark

At least

I don't think I am

They say

There isn't an actual fear of the dark

Just

What could be in the dark with you

I used to be afraid of the dark

But I don't think I am anymore

But flickering lights

As silly at is

Those always put me on edge

I wonder

Why are they flickering

Rationality says

They just need to be changed

No fear there

But what if

They flicker so much

There's too much energy

And the lightbulb explodes

All that glass

Showering down

I'm afraid of that

But not of the dark

I remember

A place

I think a public spot

Maybe

Or maybe not

But there were lights

And they flickered

And dimmed

I was afraid of that

Because for some reason

I thought as soon as they go out

As soon as the room becomes dark

I wouldn't be able to find a way out

I'd be stuck there forever

The lights never did go out

They threatened

And flickered

And dimmed

But never went out

I always left wherever it was

Unharmed

So maybe

It's getting stuck?

Being trapped?

That I'm afraid of

Because I'm not afraid of the dark

I don't mind it at all

I always welcome the dark

But when the lights begin to flicker

I stiffen

Waiting

For the lights to go out