Monsters under my bed

The monsters

under my bed protect me

from everything

that loves me

I lay curled

hand over the edge

waiting for them to hold it

so I may go back to sleep

Their claws against my skin

and teeth against my throat

send shivers down my spine at night

and make me feel alive

So I lay still and silent,

eyes open in the dark,

waiting for my monsters

to chase away sweet thoughts

I may only sleep at night

when monsters from beneath my bed

have sworn an oath to keep me safe

from everything that loves me

The sheets are off, my skin is cold,

my daytime fears surround me

telling me to close my eyes

and think of being lonely

Eyes cracked, mouth open

breathing in their breath,

I sing along to songs they sing

and slowly drift to sleep

Night after night

drunk on fear and cold

I’m hanging on to all my fears

and dying at their mercy

Yet still I let

the monsters under my bed

protect me from

everything that loves me