Afraid of the Darkness

Innocent candle flame invokes memories 
Childhood in a home not suitable 
Candles handed out for bedtime 
Precious items giving comfort 

A yellow flickering flame lighting the way 
Treat it with respect 
Extinguish when ready for sleep 
Two candles a week are the rations 

House so large dark and creepy 
Seemed alive when night time settled 
Voices heard when the wind played tricks 
Creaks and groans getting louder 

Trees joined in the game 
Swaying as they fended off the wind 
Childhood and afraid of darkness 
An imagination the child could not handle 

Shadows on walls added to it all 
Bedclothes pulled over head listening to the sounds 
Peered from under the bedclothes 
Candle flame burning yellow, comforting 
Occasional flicker as a breeze appeared from nowhere 

Bedroom door creaked open 
Mother's head appeared briefly 
Mother unaware her child so afraid 
Wanted to shout out to her 

Sleep called out its name 
The candle still did flame 
Left to burn until no wax is left 
Tomorrows darkness will bring challenges.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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