When I was young I use to fear,
one statement, most of all;
"It's bedtime, son ", and I'd have to face,
strange shadows on the walls.

So in the darkness I would lay,
with covers near 'ore my head;
The four dark walls and ceiling made,
a cavern 'ore my bed.

When as the darkness filled the air,
the moon would light the sky;
Or chance a car might then come 'round,
headlights slowly rolling by.

Thru every crack and crevice came,
the night-times eerie glow;
I found myself a-fearing of,
only the things I didn't know.

For I didn't know what might come,
as the shadows filled the room;
I only knew for certain, that
I'd surely meet my doom.

My eyes now played their tricks on me,
as I'm staring quite in awe;
The shadows played their game with,
a moving picture on the wall.

My journey was beginning now,
as into slumber I would fall;
Though my eyes were closed, still I'd see,
the pictures from the wall.

I might find myself upon the sea,
a'sailing a pirate ship;
Or on the moon is where I'd be,
from a flying saucer trip.

The daylight would chase the darkness,
and time for waking would come soon;
But times the picture still in my head,
though the shadows left my room.

As I grew older, is when I asked,
my parents, if they could;
Explain to me how dreams could be,
at times both bad and good.

My childhood fears have left me now,
for I have grown into a man;
It's time I soothe my children's' fears,
and answer their questions, if I can.

Although a feeling once-in-a-while,
laying on a pillow in my bed;
I get the strangest urge to pull,
my covers near 'ore my head.

Just thinking of my childhood days,
as to slumber I start to fall;
To sweet dreams drift, for again I've seen,
wondrous shadows on the walls.


"Me"

© 1996

Email:
H. J. Mosteller, Jr.@home.com