Quite, silent dark night,
Wind whistles through the trees.
Slipping silently slumber,
Tranquil embrace.
Noise!
What was that,
Lay quivering,
Sheet over head.
Listen intently to silence...
Ages walk by,
Shivering in bed.
Feel the sweat trickle...
Inhale slowly,
Exhale, sure they hear me.
Galloping heart,
Beats frenzied pace,
Heightening my fright.
Scratches at my window,
Tears at my ears.
Peek at the window,
See shadows dance,
Before the moon.
Slowly turn my head,
New sound heard,
Outside my door,
Footsteps!
Tiny soft almost inaudible.
Once more scratchings,
This time by my door!
Cower deeper in my bed,
What monster outside waits.
Soft mewling meouw,
It is but my cat!
Softly creep from my bed,
Stalk to open door.
In a flash!
She's inside on my bed.
Quickly run,
Jump,
Cover myself, safe...
Look once more at door,
I never closed it!
Outside waiting...
Could be anything!
Soft warm body lays on mine,
Comforting...
Slowly slip from waking,
Back to peaceful dreams,
Cat purring,
Rumbling rhythm,
Lulls me deeper.
***
Scream!
As hand touches me!
Light streams in to blind,
Like a knife piercing me!
Kicking, I flail,
Before me lurks a shape,
Big!
Awareness dawns,
It is my father come home!
Time for school.
Holds me tight,
Soothes, everything's alright.
Kisses me goodnight,
Off to bed he goes,
While for school I make ready.
Being six is scary!