Noctiphobia

I wrote this specifically for a contest about phobias. I have learned to live with my fear of the dark but spent many years cowering in fear of the things that go BUMP in the night.

 

Noctiphobia

I listen, certain that I am not alone as
my imagination plays tricks on my mind.

That noise! I listen closely now to be sure;
my mind plays it over again, then rewinds.

The sheets I pull tightly over me but they
provide little comfort from the waning light.

My thoughts start racing endlessly
to the coming of another night.

That noise, I’m certain it’s meant for me --
a spirit from another place.

The dark, each night, has been haunting me;
my heart skips, then it begins to race.

My closed eyes play an endless reel of hell
of the horrors that may just unfold.

My mind toys with the evil that lurks within
a dark night with its stories untold.

So helpless, I lay as still as I can
and pray for dawns early light.

To awaken again to another new day and
have made it unscathed through the night.

Author's Note

I didn't always have a fear of the dark. It seemed to just build and then one night, my loving sis decided to put this sticky, fuzzy toy on the wall next to my bed and when I woke up in the middle of the night...I caught site of it in the moonlight and screamed, thinking it was a huge spider or something that was going to attack me. I was too paralyzed to get out of bed to turn the light on and my sister was sound asleep despite my shrieking so I sat there staring at it to see if it would move. I must have watched that thing all night waiting for daylight so I could see just what it was that was going to eat me if I moved. When I found out what it was, I felt foolish and Tania thought it was the funniest thing in the world. Ever since then, I seem to be more sensitive to not being able to see the things that might go bump in the night and I'm hoping I portrayed this in my Poem. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Damian Alan Gray]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I've been afraid of the dark ever since I was a kid. I'm certain that the shapes that my overactive imagination created out of moonlit silhouetted lumps of clothing, piled in my darkened bedroom, are what first prompted me to write horror stories. Even to this day I feel the need to slide deep under my covers for fear of that Rotting-Living-Dead-Thing, which surely lurks just outside my door.

I liked your poetry. I've read a couple of your pieces, and they seem to hold a playful mood about them. Some poets would say that poesy should be strictly for purposes of the analysis of one's emotions. Poppycock, say I! Good poetry is whatever happens to be on your mind at the time of the writing, and if you dissect and edit it too much then you lose the spirit's intent. Nothing, but nothing, can piss off a muse more than when you, the mere and mortal writer, may have the audacity to edit Her words. So, don't be concerned over what other people think. Not yet, anyway. If you're still a young poet the most important things to do is to take dictation from your muse, and make every attempt not to irritate Her.

[Laughing Lunatic]

Lol! I have a night light, when I was a child my mom and dad would tell me the same things there in light of the day as there is in the dark. I have never believed this have you ever seen alot of cockroaches running around during the day no! they wait until night and all come out ewwwwww!!! This is a great write I loved it! =)

[Joseph - Michael]

Well, you did a great job at creating this writing. It reminded me of those sleepless nights I've been through in some ways. Even the details are all there as in the mind game

So, it's all great here...

[Ice Queen of the Vampir..]

This is a terrific poem and you did a great job writing it. Nice work!!!

Heather

[Wolfwind Words]

I like the flow, and i can see the images vividly. Even though i can't relate to it, I can imagine how terrifying that the darkness must be for some people. And how when the morning sun comes it is like a great blessing.
Wonderful write! Thanks for sharing :)

[ELii]

Nice one! I love the play of words. I dont like what is in the dark either, but i have learned to look for the light in it.

[BlakeL79]

Playful, eloquent, interesting. Of course the must poignant part - "have made it unscathed through the night", where we realize everything will be alright. I enjoy reading your work. Thanks!

[jen -- JG]

The easy reading style of this does nothing to negate the deep fear invoked within it's lines.
The imagery is clear and vivid - we can see you trembling in bed trying to hide under sheets, offering little protection. The night sounds are always louder, and fear plays a continued movie in the mind of all the things that MIGHT happen.


A good solid write here and if the posting and reviews are a stepping stone for you - then you have just climbed a couple of steps.

Keep reading and experimenting with different styles of writing - you have the tools - and are beginning to use them very well.

well done

Jen-JG

[James K. Blaylock]

Man, I truly remember being young, and having to deal with those evils in the pitch black of my room! Great write.

[A.J. Smith]

Well, Lorna, this is a stepping stone upon which you can be sure of your footing. You've conveyed well the torment our minds, trained at an early age to fear all darkness holds for us, put us through, especially alone at night. I'm a grown man, spent 22 years in the miltary, and still hated spending nights alone in the big house I used to own..always amazed (and unsettled) by all the noises...at times it seemed alive with subtle sounds. I love your word choice, your structure and rhyming scheme. Very nice piece!

[Beautifully Tragic xPoe..]

I enjoyed this, I tend to get the same fear in the dark every once in awhile. I guess it is your mind playing tricks on you. Wonderfully written. Thanks to Tania for sharing this with me.

Great write
Rayne