I was inspired to write this poem a few months ago because I get scared very easily, and my friend and I were talking about how interesting it is that so many people are afraid of the dark…
I’m 20 and I’m afraid of the dark.
You’d think after all those horror films I’d get over it,
but every time the sun goes out I can’t help but think of the creatures that are moving just out of sight.
I’m 20 and I still sleep with my teddy bear.
Some nights he’s suffocated by the ocean of blankets that wash over him,
and my arms, like the hungry current, holding him down.
Other nights he shivers on the floor as my own irrational fears of my teddy turning into something he’s not haunt my dreams.
I’m 20 and I listen to music while falling asleep,
so my mind can’t paint graphic possibilities for every creaking stair and whispering wind.
Some day I hope to fall asleep without Teddy or music.
To be grown up,
and tell my mind to go sit in a corner and think about what its done.
I’m 21 and I’m afraid of the dark.
© Autumn Micketti
Autumn Micketti 