The Boogeyman

Once a night, the Boogeyman visits 
kids who stay up, kids who are bad, 
and kids who don’t believe. Under 
the bed and inside your head,  
the Boogeyman sticks around. 
The Boogeyman lurks without 
making a sound. He patiently
waits for the perfect moment 
to become visible. He creeps
in the dead of the night when 
the parents cut off the light. 
During the day, the Boogeyman 
takes the shape of politicians, 
teachers, secretaries, mothers, 
fathers, pastors, police officers, 
or homeless men under 
the bridge. The Boogeyman 
returns to his true form after 
he conforms. Beware of his 
gaze. Don’t make eye contact,
as it serves as an unwritten 
contract. Have no fear. Don’t 
be scared. All you need to be 
is aware. Sleep tight tonight. 
If something doesn’t feel right, 
get up and turn on the light.