Childhood Terror

The room was black
heavy with the dark,
beneath the covers
I held my breath
as fear cold and stark
struck me rigid,
still as death

Floor boards creaked
I felt a draught
I thought I caught the sound
of the softest laugh,
trembling, I burrowed deep
holding my blanket tight
praying for sleep to rescue me
from the clutches
of the night.

The thump came sharp suddenly
snatching my breath away,
the lub dub of my heartbeat
quickened in the fray
of bony arms and legs
a tangle of smelly feet.

Eeek! It was my older sister.
Prowling in the dark
scaring me witless,
having a lark…
All at once
a burst of candlelight
Mum in the doorway
dispelling the night.
A clout for my sister
a cuddle for me,
as I looked up tearfully
saying ’I need a pee…'