Scared of the monster under the bed
of the drain hole in the shower
Anticipation fills with dread,
A new fear found every hour
Scared of tapping at the window,
Of robbers, killers, and shadowed men.
On the ledge, a crow watches below,
Bringing back the fear once again.
Scared of exams, tests and scores
the need for approval and peace
scared that there was judgment over what they wore
scared of the guns and cuffs of the police
Each fear etched on their arm
until the fear of fear overtook
The heavy breathing
the cold edge of release
the silent grieving
sensing the peace
Fear, now a coward\'s quiet place
when white lines became red
leaving a crimson trace
and it became the safety net