Boogieman

Thump, thump, thump
just outside my bedroom window

the torrential rain kept me indoors
but I imagined who or what was

outside bumping on the wall
rattling the double paned glass

The dog got up to check
but stayed nearby

his ears alert, a muffled bark
didn’t really want to call attention

to himself and I couldn’t sleep.
Why was I so afraid?

Pressure in my ears built
until my head started to ache

another thump and I sat straight up
my heart beating much too fast

I knew it was nothing but my
imagination saw the Boogieman

that dark evil from my childhood
waiting to snatch me and take me

to that place, beyond the light
where I would be held against my will

Thump! There he is again
this time closer, louder, larger

I’ll never get to sleep
until I say my prayers

and ask my god to keep me safe
or if I die… my soul to take.