Mama always told me
There's no monsters under the bed
What she didn't know was that
It resided in my head.

Dad looked under bed for me
But all he found was dust.
I told him it wasn't there
But in my head it really must.

I couldn't believe there wasn't
Some evil invisible thing.
For in my head that swirled around
Were dark thoughts that reigned as king.

I can't take it much longer
I'm afraid of its mighty grip.
I fear what I'll do
If into its dark I slip.

Black silhouette, against an auburn sky,
Her hair flowed and glowed in the half light.
Golden clouds and creaky boards,
Stretched over the mirrored ocean's view.

She was beautiful, even if I couldn't see her.
Her form was all that mattered.
Relaxed and at ease, calm and reflective.
Nothing else seemed to matter.

Cool were the colors of the evening mountain lake
Cool was the breeze that blew across her face.
Cool were her eyes as they gazed back at me.

Gentle were her lips as they sang sweet songs.
Gentle was the water her silk dress dragged upon.
Gentle were the wisps that left her hands.

Bright was the smile she offered me.
Bright were the lights that fluttered off her fingers.
Bright was the day I watched
The most beautiful fairy dance atop the water.

Moving blues
And crashing greens
I don't know
What it all means.

Rolling waves
And steady sounds.
A salty breeze
And water all around.

Beautiful
That's what I think.
Moving blues
Under skies of pink.

Since your first breath
When the lights shone bright
And the night was dark
Forever you were mine.

When you first walked
First spoke to me
And the only word was 'mama'
Forever you were mine.

At your first day of school
Your first recital
Your first PTA
Forever you were mine.

After your first dance
Your first kiss
Your last class
Forever you were mine.

When you left for college
Married your partner
Had my grand babies
Forever you were mine.

When I lay dying
Looking back at life
At our life
I remember that,
Forever you were mine
And forever I was yours.

All hearts
Contained in their cage of bone
Beat against
Hammer against
Their bars.

Monsters they are
Contained
Confined
Kept against their wills
In that cage of bone.

Rib cage they're called
I think
Hold the most vile things
Monsters that make you feel
Make you wish and hope.

Hearts.

Cool fall nights
And bright starry lights.
Relaxed.
My fuzzy warm bed
And sunsets colored red.
Safety.
A worn in book
And the sound of a nearby brook.
Calm.
A loving smile.
A warm hug.
A goodnight kiss.
A constant partner.
Comfort.