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 creeps around.
The Boogeyman lurks without
a sound. He hangs around. He
waits for the perfect moment
to become visible. He attacks
in the dead of the night when
the parents cut off the light.
During the day, the Boogeyman
takes the shape of a politician,
a teacher, a secretary, a mom,
a dad, a pastor, a police officer,
or a homeless man 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.
IN YOUR DREAMS POETRY 