i'm scared of the dark
especially after scary movies
but i've learned that there
aren't
really monsters under my bed

i'm scared of being late
even though i've never had
a tardy.
and to avoid anxiety, i'm always early
it seems the world is always
rushed

i'm scared i'm growing up too fast
i hear stories about how adventurous
our ancestors were
and when i look back i feel embarrassed
i wish i could press rewind.

i'm scared of snakes,
i don't like the smooth, scaly skin
the lumps in their bodies after their meals
and the thought of their bite

i'm scared of dying
not death,
just the final process
the suspense
of waiting.
i know that death is inevitable,
but somehow i hope that it will pass
right over me