I’m an adult and I know not to be afraid

But every night before I sleep 

I check under the bed. 

Not once has there been anything

A sock maybe? A time or two.

But nothing living. 

Tonight, I check and there’s something I 

Can not reach

I stretch out my arm and nothing. 

I turn my face away to give more 

Length to my arm

I reach and I stretch blindly

What is it? I look again

It’s gone. I get in bed

and the closet door creaks. 

If I step out of this door to go inspect

And something grabs my ankle…

I will surely scream

Tonight I will not sleep.

Next Chapter: Wrap Around Porch