The shadow above my door looks like an alligator,
Or maybe a crocodile.
Logically, I know shadows are a reflection of light,
But still, I am afraid.
I worry about what might be under my bed,
Not a monster,
But perhaps a movie character,
Someone who causes physical pain to others.
The floor creaks underneath my brother’s weight.
I wonder if an intruder is coming for me,
Intent to leave valuable items,
To prey on a little girl.
I’m too warm underneath my covers,
But I cannot take them off.
They protect me from the darkness,
Don’t you know?
My door rattles in it’s frame.
I push my back against the wall.
Maybe there’s hope for me yet,
Hope that comes with the morning light.
A few years older,
I’m not afraid of the dark anymore.
My mind is a much darker place,
Than the shadows could ever be.
The darkness is where I find solitude,
A break from days of fake smiles and pretending.
At night, I feel safe.
More than any other time of the day.
I used to be afraid of the dark,
Until it became my friend.
I used to be afraid of the dark,
Until the darkness became a part of me.
Jan 27
Jan 27, 2026 at 6:58 AM UTC
The shadow above my door looks like an alligator,
Or maybe a crocodile.
Logically, I know shadows are a reflection of light,
But still, I am afraid.
I worry about what might be under my bed,
Not a monster,
But perhaps a movie character,
Someone who causes physical pain to others.
The floor creaks underneath my brother’s weight.
I wonder if an intruder is coming for me,
Intent to leave valuable items,
To prey on a little girl.
I’m too warm underneath my covers,
But I cannot take them off.
They protect me from the darkness,
Don’t you know?
My door rattles in it’s frame.
I push my back against the wall.
Maybe there’s hope for me yet,
Hope that comes with the morning light.
A few years older,
I’m not afraid of the dark anymore.
My mind is a much darker place,
Than the shadows could ever be.
The darkness is where I find solitude,
A break from days of fake smiles and pretending.
At night, I feel safe.
More than any other time of the day.
I used to be afraid of the dark,
Until it became my friend.
I used to be afraid of the dark,
Until the darkness became a part of me.