Afraid Of Darkness Poem by John A'Hern

Innocent candle flame invokes memories
Childhood in a home not suitable
Candles handed out for bedtime
Precious items giving comfort
A yellow flickering flame
Lighting the way

Treat it with respect
Extinguish when ready for sleep
Two candles a week are the rations
House so large dark and creepy
Seemed alive when night time settled
Voices heard when the wind played tricks

Creaks and groans getting louder
Trees joined in the game
Swaying as they fended off the wind
Childhood and afraid of darkness
An imagination the child could not handle
Shadows on walls added to it all

Bedclothes pulled over head listening to the sounds
Peered from under bedclothes
Candle flame burning yellow comforting
Occasional flicker as a breeze appeared from nowhere
Bedroom door creaked open
Mother's head appeared briefly

Mother unaware her child so afraid
Wanted to shout out to her
Sleep called out its name
The candle still did flame
Left to burn until no wax is left
Tomorrows darkness will bring challenges.