I once believed
that monsters hid
under the bed
and in the closet.

I never knew
where they truly resided:
within me.

I am cursed.
My monsters
told me so
last night when they kept me awake.

You see, they show
their ugly faces
all night long
and remind me
to stay awake,
or else they’ll get me.

A restful night,
a pleasant dream,
these things I’ve only hoped for
but do not actually know them.

Because I live a haunted life.
And once you are haunted,
you will never know peace.