you never know who's out there

as i lie

in bed, i realize that i forgot to lock

the front door.

and yet

i'm in bed,

the lights are out,

and i'm

near asleep, warm and cozy.

i recite

the old prayer from

childhood,

if i die before i wake, i pray

the Lord my

soul to take.

i pray for the world,

for those i love,

for those that annoy me,

for anyone

that comes to mind.

i express my gratitude for

a litany of things,

and then finally i give in

and go

down the stairs,

and turn the dead bolt.

you never know who's out

there.