Childhood Nights

Trying to sleep, lying in bed,
My pillow pressed against my head,
I, a child of five, could hear
Footsteps thumping in my ear,
Walking every place I'd go,
With every turn, to and fro,
Every movement, he would trace,
Until the day I'd see his face.
And when his constant steps had ceased,
I knew that I would be deceased.
But always I would get my rest,
Never knowing he was in my chest.
I simply pictured him in the night
And learned to live within my fright,
For long as I stay on the go,
His walk continues, that I know.

Richard C. Hayner
May 25, 1981 ©

© 2001 Middle Sea Studios - Richard C. Hayner - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED