everything i feared

as a child i'd look

under

the bed for monsters,

before my

prayers, and sleep.

i'd hold up the drape

of blanket

and sheet and sweep below

with a nervous hand 

the darkness underneath.

i'd make sure

all was clear.

i'd check the closets,

secure the door.

windows latched,

nothing in the shadows.

nothing i could see

was there.

but when i was grown,

an adult in my own home,

i stopped

my search, for there was

nowhere else to look

but lying next me,

there it was,

everything i feared.