I used to find
Such comfort
in darkness.

The shadows were like old friends
Coming out to tell me goodnight
to wrap themselves inside me.

Recently I've noticed
My friends have put on masks
and their teeth are gleaming in the moonlight

Coming to slip into my lungs
To put a weight in my chest
Ignoring my gasps until it's too late.

I had to start sleeping with a light on
So my friends couldn't sneak up on me
I want to turn it off, let whatever happens

Happen.

I'm too old to be afraid of the dark.