Don't fear the Boogieman

Life isn't about what-ifs

Mama,

I can't sleep

The room is dark

And I am weak

And I cant dream

Cause all I see are nightmares

That's when

She walked in

And comfort

It sets in

And I feel

Better than I have been

She says

Son wont you lie down

And let go of all your fears

There's nothing in your closet

Nor a sound for you to hear

The nights been calm for most it's span

Be brave

And don't fear the boogieman

As I aged

And as I grew

The terrors and nightmares

Unfortunately

They did too

What was once a creature in my closet

Was now a job, a wife and bank deposits

As much as I hate

That I'm awake most the night

I still feel the same way

Just with much different frights

What if I'm laid off

What if I lose

My wife and my kids

And all that I do.

My love then rolled over

And grabbed on my arm

Said unto me

The most keen words thus far.

She says

Hun wont you lie down

And let go of all your fears.

Not a single thing is wrong

Nor has been for years.

Your life has been great for most of its span

You know better than this

Don't fear the boogieman.

Reviews

[LastMonth]

I expected a terrifying story.
I mean, it says don't fear the boogieman at the title.
But I was expecting it to be a 'Don't fear the boogiemen' sarcastically.

Anyhow, great little poem.
It really radiates with the warmth and love of a protecting mother.
And obviously it is very sweet that the wife overtakes that role so seamlessly.
Good job.

[Riddhi]

I liked this..It was so different from the stuff which I usually get to read on this site..It was interesting and thought provoking..Great read..
Keep writing..

[Pete]

hmm. clever & thought-provoking. we do trade our childhood fears for adult versions. "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." no need to be afraid of the dark, only ourselves ...

[Falanne Shanta]

This was a great read. When you mentioned the boogieman when you're an adult, I could really relate. Good job.

[mandy]

I loved it. as a child I was afraid of the "boogieman" too. and as an adult, sometimes I still lie awake obsessing about those groundless fears we all have. glad it ended on a positive note, good job.

[Marcus Portella]

The point of the poem is made very clear. What I particularly like was the two characters - the mom and the wife - who end up becoming the same. I really enjoyed that touch. Overall, it's not a difficult poem to follow. What I did not like about it, and perhaps that is just personal values, is that it's too straightforward. "A job, a wife, and bank deposits", "what if I lose my wife and my kids and all that I do". It's fair, definitely, but I'm more of a subjectivity type o' guy. I think of making others have to think. Way I see, giving out the information on a silver platter makes it less of a challenge, and, consequently, less entertaining. But anyhow, it's a good job. I enjoyed it.

[Great Aunt Astri]

I like the way his fears are gently relieved by the ones he loves. The 'boogieman' is a wonderful metaphor for all that worries us and makes us frightened. You are quite right, if we don't allow ourselves to be frightened, we often manage to overcome the fear. Nicely done.

[Levi Levin]

Excellent piece of poetry. Great work!

[Nigel Newman]

Hi there. There's some delightful stuff in here. My favourite is probably the sort-of chorus that is repeated structurally at the end with quite minimal word changes. It may cause a wry smile if I tell you that my band has written a song called 'Only the leaves' on exactly this theme. In my case the 'inspiration' was a small group of high trees that would never stop rustling, especially noticeably when everything else quietens down. So your poem took me straight there. Nice job!
Nigel

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

It reminds me of the tree that cast a really unusual shadow across my window in my new bedroom when I was about 6 yrs old. Great Piece. The compassion in this poem was special.

[richieb]

P.J.
Well written poem dealing with natural fears. Close to retirement and a grandpa, I have lived through all the long sleepless nights you refer to. It was refreshing to remember those moments as I read your poem. One builds strength and character surviving and coming out on top. Thank you for your fine words.
Blessings,
Richie b.