Fearsome

(Bedtime fairy tales)

Can you remember fairy tales,

read out aloud when you were young?

So scary that you couldn't sleep,

that kept you counting random sheep

until exhausted you would fall

like Humpty Dumpty off the wall.

So frightful that you lived the fear,

wide-eyed you'd hide behind a sheet

to peep out when you felt it safe.

Your body pump would skip a beat,

but still you'd beg, in fact implore

for Dad to read you more and more.

The splinter in the Ice Queen's heart,

that ice shard penetrated deep,

impaled inside my porous mind,

that froze my tear ducts so I'd find

I couldn't shed a drop to cry

however hard I seemed to try.

And then the nightmares crimson bright,

red shoes would wake me in the night,

so weary but I must go on.

The dancing vivid in my dreams

drew forth the axe man, chop, chop, chop,

who'd sever feet should I dare stop.

Reviews

[AYVID N]

A very vividly illustrated poem that took me through my own childhood fears and the fun and thrill of reading and exchanging scary tales. This reader could relive some thrilling parts of her childhood through your words and reading this imaginative poem was such a delightful treat! 💕

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DIVYA. I used to get a thrill out of being scared stiff when I was young. Some of those fairy tales were monstrous :))

[AYVID N]

Indeed Chris! And yet we couldn’t resist listening to them! We have some grisly ones here too. read moreIndeed Chris! And yet we couldn’t resist listening to them! We have some grisly ones here too.

You’re most welcome 💕

[Hayley]

Wow, I love this! The references are clear and obvious and yet so beautifully written, they don't feel like cliches or anything. It reminds me of a book I read in middle school, called A Tale Dark and Grimm. I read that book more times than I can count, the stories were so creepy yet so fun. Takes me back to childhood for sure.

[M. J. Smith]

These were tales I would find on my own. But it would be campfire tales told when I was older that would keep me up, afraid to venture into the darkness lest some oogity boogity would eat me. Later, I became adept at weaving my own nightmares.
The first voice I remember is Mama. Dad was a non-player character in my life. Gone never to be known. But I take your point. "How shall we be able to forget those myths that are at the beginning of all peoples?" - Ranier Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet.

[Patricia Wedel]

Dear Chris… fairy tales are scary as a Child when the Cold Wind blows. There is a Ballerina Opera about Red 👠 Shoes.. You bring those Tales to Life… as the Moon and Stars shiver in Delight. tenderly, Pat

[Dave]

Christine -
As a teacher I would sometimes get into discussions with my students about their fears. Of course they loved to relate theirs and hear about mine, especially the ones I had as a child. When they would give off that "nervous laugh' I knew they were there too. Checking under the bed for the monster. Making sure the closet door was shut tight. But the best safeguard of all was going to sleep with your head under the covers. Everyone knew that the monsters weren't allowed to get you if your head was under the covers. The screams of approval for this one was overwhelming.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

I love your response Dave. I used to do that too, stick my head under the pillow and cross my fingers. Crossed fingers always meant you would come to no harm. I haven't thought about that for years. Thank you for bringing my inner child back. She was most grateful and waves to you.

Chris

[Maxwell Ryder]

I hated when it was so warm in summer, all I need was just a sheet, or nothing. Felt like I had no protection. Preferred the protect of a winter quilt. And had better sleep in winter.

Thanks for the memories here.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh yes, thick blankets in winter did give some protection. Sometimes we had overcoats on the bed too if it got really cold. Pleased my lines brought back some memories. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Markus Anthony]

i love it so much, it made my mind drift to the past, the time when i was a kid and father would tell stories about the Trojans and the love Paris to Helen, and stories that I love best in books. I love the flow and the rhimes, and I've never read this way of writing before.

I love that I'm learning each day as I traverse through the profile of writers in this site. Thank you for sharing this poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Marcus Anthony, I do appreciate your response. I am so pleased it reminded you about your childhood. Good to see you here.

Chris

[Dara]

There is a wonderful rhythm in this poem and a playful tone that immediately brings one back to childhood days of fairy tales and fantasy. A great way to end a busy day of adult errands and chores. Thank you for sharing your words and creativity. I really enjoyed this write!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Dara, many thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. All good wishes. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Mihika_d]

Lovely poem that took me back to the childhood and those stories read to me by my mother. Though dreadful but are always loved by all the children and every night we (children) eager for a new story. I Loved this poem as it took me through my childhood!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit Mihika_d. You are very welcome. I appreciate your thoughts on this poem.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I love the old tales. I like them in the original form. Those tales of old. Never get old. Thank you dear Chris for sharing your amazing words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote for your visit. I remember those old fairy tales so well. All good wishes.

Chris

[Relic]

It makes you wonder if fatigue was to blame for Humpty's fall. I don't recall fairy tales but I do recall reading Tom Sawyer as a kid. Come to think of it, Alice in Wonderland may have been briefly read to me before I read the rest of it.

"One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small..."

A well-told tale here, Chris. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tim. I was read Hans Christian Anderson as well as Grimm, s fairy tales. They were grim as well. Quite frightening. We used to be scared to death.:) I appreciate your review. Alice in Wonderland and Tom Sawyer, both greats.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

This is a delightful poem about that heartwarming happening. Young minds are like sponges for information but are impressionable, too. A bit frightening but loads of fun, bless the parents who care enough to read to their children.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Sam, yes the stories were frightening but you just couldn't help but listen. Thank you so much for your much appreciated visit. All good wishes.

Chris