Shadows

The covers over my head
ripple as I tremble.
The lavender cotton forms a barrier
between me and the shadows.

The shadows are cruel, dark beings.
The fears of a child,
the dark stalkers,
obscured in every crack..

They hide in the closet
or under the bed,
multiplying in number
and growing in intensity.

Fear comes closer and
I can hear its breath as
it steps on my mahogany floor,
its beating heart pounding in the silence.

A hand reaches down
pulling at the thin lavender barrier.
I squeeze my eyes shut
and pray for the light of morning