Nightmare

Nightmare
When the sky is dark and the monster near, the time is right for children’s fear;

From that it feeds, and feels a yearning; for the taste of flesh, it is a burning.

Flaring nostrils, reddening eyes, claws that rip and tear with cries;

Out it moves from beneath the bed, gaping mouth filled with dread.

Hulking beast that towers over, promising death before the night is over;

The child sees and shakes with fear, calling for a mother too far to hear.

Dripping claws reach out and grasp, tender skin thats not to last;

Flesh is feeble and begins to break, blood running down likea crimsonlake.

Monster drinks and crunches bones, a bloodthirsty mouth from which it moans;

Back it retreats under an empty bed, leaving no sign of a mournful dead.