Alone in the Dark

Dear reader, day 26 of #OctPoWriMo has us confronting our fears, writing about what scares us. There are many things I fear. I fear rejection by my peers, by the poetic community, by friends. I fear things that I simply will not share with anyone but my wife, I fear stubbing my toes (a curse of big feet). I have serious fears, debilitating fears and silly fears. And it is the silly fear that I am writing about today. 

Once in a while, my wife and kids will go to spend a few days with her parents, and I am left alone at home. I hate it. I hate every moment of an empty house. I especially hate the nights. Will you laugh at this piece, or rather, laugh at me for this piece? Possibly. I don't fear that, for I am writing this in the light. And my wife and kids are by my side. Please enjoy.

Rod E. Kok
October 26, 2014

You have left me alone,

surrounded by darkness,

my heart starts pounding,

my breath quickens,

palms slick with sweat.

I am cold...so cold.

A hair falls from my head,

hitting the floor,

a booming thud.

My old grandfathers clock

calls out time,

midnight has struck

a fearful chord deep

in my soul.

In my bed

there is no warm place

for me to hide…

you are away

(only for a short time).

Please come home,

so I can sleep.

Mysterious footsteps echo

down empty hallways

of our deserted home.

I am alone…

alone with whoever

(or whatever)

lurks in the shadows.

Unreasonable fear

pervades my being,

I wait for dawn.

Waiting for light,

my mind plays tricks.

I cannot sleep,

mysterious sounds whisper

thunderclaps in my room.

Please come home,

so I can sleep.

Please….

come home.