In the dark when goblins dance

In the dark when goblins dance
and all good children sound asleep
are sailing through their dreams
I lie awake and greet my demons.
No bad child I
nor ever was
perhaps because I never learned
the uses of defiance
the dangers of compliance.
Strange roads of friendship
strange at least to me
so often spurned.
The benefits of risking hurt
by showing weakness not understood.
I still do not and never will.
In truth I see no need to try
another path of pain
beyond the one I tread
in this night watch
in the dark when goblins dance.