monster Under the bed

First

they tell You it’s

Under Your bed

You quiver under the covers

Afraid

To stick a leg out

Then

You decide it is not

Real. you are too old for

it 

But then,

it comes back

this time with fangs and crimson and claws

You feel real

terror 

this time it does not

stay under the bed. it 

Follows you. Everywhere. 

Not just night but into the Light

it scratches, snickers, beats, kicks

whispers

No covers. No cover.

it feels like if you stick your leg out you will

die 

Later,

You recognize it.

Soon You will be able to say It;