Sitting quietly in my bed,
blankets pulled up to my nose.
I look out the moonlit window
Moving shadows curl my toes.

Scratching softly at the pane
An imp awaits his time
To seize a moment to call his own.
Causing fright, his fell crime.

To steal away my peace of mind
And gleefully dance at my fear.
He chuckles softly at his impish feats
Spreading his dastardly cheer.

All alone huddled in my bed,
I clutch my flashlight close.
Eyes squinched tight shut
Ears strain to hear, legs ready to flee.

I feel him creeping, slinking,
Lurking, scratching, and giving a chuffle.
Frightened to look and unable to not.
I catch him in the light.  He gives a wicked snuffle.

I hide beneath my blankets
and shriek with fright.
He races about capering, mouth agaping
That wretched imp grins with delight.

Lost in its awful glee, he looks for more tiny tots.
Hoping to set their frightened screams free.