It hides in closets and under beds

just out of our sight

only poking out its head

when we turn out the light



"It isn't real" the adults say

yet we children all know better

Though it comes out not in light of day

at night it moves, unfettered



It haunts our dreams while we sleep

chasing us with claws or knives

laughing as we scream or weep

fearing for our lives



It takes a form that we most fear

be it ghost or clown

or else as one we love so dear

making us watch them burn or drown



Yet it isn't without weakness

even at the bleakest hour

for if we do not fear the darkness

then over us it has no power