I was afraid
Afraid of the monsters
That lurked in the shadows
In my closet, under my bed
I feared not the wolf
Who lurked in the woods
Of the shadows in the street
Outside my window
All the world was a joy
Except when I slept
There was nothing
That could harm me
At least,
When my father was there
Now I am older
Yet I'm still afraid
Not of the shadows
Under my bed
But of the wolf
Who lurks in the woods
Of the street outside my window
My father I love
Yet now, I know
That he can't protect me forever
He may be strong
But when I am alone
The wolf waits with flowers to meet me
I no longer fear the shadows
Of the darkest night
The vixen with tricks
Always wary for the wolf
She may win
She may not
But one thing she knows
He awaits her with flowers
His plumed tail high
She may be afraid
But always, she has a choice.
--Patience Collier
