Stupid, senseless, implausible.
flick the switch and turn to walk,
the bed is far away.
Take the first step, your heart rate soars.
In darkness lurks the monster.

Step again, but don’t look back.
It must be close behind.
Reaching with claws and slobbering jaws,
two steps quick.
The bed is a fortress, impenetrable.

The bed is close, but not enough.
The monster must be upon you.
Leap the last few feet and turn as you land,
the springs scream, your heart pounds.
Nothing there.

Of course there isn’t.
Monsters are not real.
Drag the covers to your chin.
Slide shut your weary eyelids.
Repeat to yourself in endless assurance;

Nothing lies in wait.
dead black dark and closed closet doors,
are void of malevolent horrors.
Watching you from secret places,
or creeping slowly over carpet,
silent as they reach for you.

Snap open your eyes.
Nothing there.
Imagination, all of this.
Ridiculous.
You are completely safe.
But maybe, possibly, when your eyes drift shut again,
you won’t be.