big blue eyes of innocence

naïve in her five years of existence

calls out for daddy, for daddy to come

around 9 o'clock at night.

he enters the room, unsurprised,

this has become ritual.

check the closet, under the bed

for the creatures of the night.

kiss her head and tuck her in

then turn off the lights.

how beautiful this scenery was,

the innocence of it all.

a father's assurance was enough

to comfort her troubled mind.

the pure and unfailing trust

that everything will be alright.

but as the years passed

her faith began to weaken.

taking off the rosy shades

blindsided by reality.

through the pain and sorrow

she came to learn

the monsters do not live

underneath the beds

but in herself.

and with each saw of the blade

daddy's little girl fought those monsters.