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.