Shadows

I lie in bed,

crying;

trying to shut out the angry screams and shouts.

Trying to imagine anything;

anything, but this.

Suddenly

a loud ear-piercing crash,

then silence. . .

My body starts to shake,

my lips start to tremble.

Debating on whether to leave this dark, musty room

to the horrifying mess upstairs.

I uncover myself,

and slide out of bed,

place my feet on the cold hard surface.

Just as I do the terrifying bickering starts again.

I glance over

at the illuminating clock

and realize it's 3:30 in the morning.

Shortly,

that clock will buzz loudly,

perhaps too loudly,

telling me it's time for school.

I quietly creep
along the wall

and become one of the lonely,

mysterious shadows.


---ReNae, 1983----