A Child's Good Night

At night the sun has gone to sleep
And crickets sing a tune.
The bullfrogs croak and creatures creep
Beneath the watching moon.

The masked raccoons and possums prowl
Through meadows moist with dew.
The fireflies flash, coyotes howl,
And owls keep asking, "Who?"

At night our school is still and dark.
The evening stars arrive.
And marble statues in the park
Appear to come alive.

At night our dog the house patrols,
The city streets are bare.
The clock in kitchen hourly tolls,
And ghosts and nightmares scare.

At night I hear my father snore
And baby brother cry,
As shadows slide across the floor
And trucks go rumbling by.

I hear a siren's urgent squeal
While lying safe in bed,
My hamster racing on its wheel,
And raindrops overhead.

At night I hear the floorboards creak
And neighbor's cat meow.
I feel my pillow press my cheek
And night air cool my brow.

I think about the recent past
And plan the coming day,
Until I fall asleep at last
And dream the night away.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Zottola Avatar
March 30, 2023 at 8:32 AM
Love your work! Z
Duncan Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 2:25 PM
Awesome
Goff Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 7:47 AM
Incredible rhythmic sound Richard, quite exceptional talented write! to mine faves!
Calasibetta Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 7:32 AM
You did it again.... fantastic imagery! Love your writing, you certainly keep an audience wanting more. Cheers, Paulette
Olaoluwa  Avatar
June 3, 2022 at 10:24 PM
It pictures my heart having seen your poem of good imagery well portrayed driving me back in time. Awesome!
Kelly Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 7:32 AM
I love this poem Richard, and easily see myself as the child listening to all the sounds of the night before drifting off into the peaceful world of safe sleep. Thank you!!!
Thomas Avatar
August 9, 2018 at 4:46 AM
Thank you very much. I've just read your wonderful poem about boys and can see that you have great insight into what childhood is.
Coulstock Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 9:29 AM
This is fantastic,I love the rhythm and especially taken with your line about the “owls asking who?” Great write Richard.
Roper Avatar
August 1, 2018 at 8:41 PM
Wonderful imagery , Richard, I feel as I am right in the middle of the night except for the scary parts and the snores...Hugs Eve
Thomas Avatar
August 3, 2018 at 4:28 AM
Thank you very much. The scary parts can be quite entertaining--when recalled after they are finished.
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