Halloween 2009, poem for the kids

Dark Shadow

Before the darkness came
my life was very usual
I went to school, I read my books,
I did what my parents told me.

But then one night, not long ago
My mother tucked me in
and kissed my cheek,
as many nights before.

She left the room, turned out the light
and waved, "See you in the morn!"

Just then I heard a muffled snap
and saw the closet door ajar.
I shook my head and blinked my eyes,
I swear a shadow moved inside.

The shadow slid across the floor
And out into the room
I heard my beat faster
my blood rushed through my veins.

The shadow reached across my bed
and covered up my feet.
My eyes got big, I couldn't blink,
as I watched it slowly creep.

I couldn't move, I watched instead
as the shadow crept up, crept up upon the bed
The darkness crept across my andles
up my shins, across my knees,
I felt it hold me down.

I felt the sweat upon my brow
the rest of me was cold
I knew that if I called my mom
she'd be there quick as that.
But I couldn't make a sound

The shadow now across my chest
was gripping at my heart.
I knew that if it reached my head
There'd be no me no more.

Against the fear I struggled.
Against the dark I fought.
Finally out of my mouth,
the tiniest of squawks.

Immediatly, it seemed,
as if she'd been there all along,
my mother popper into my room
and flipped the light switch on.

To my relief that moment
the shadow disappeared.
My legs could move, my arms were free
The danger, it seemed, had cleared.

My mother sat upon my bed,
her eyes were all concern.
She touched my face and rubbed my head
"You had a nightmare, son..."

No nightmare this, I thought,
no dream at all, but real.
And now I cannot go to sleep
Unless the closet door is sealed.