I don’t remember waking up for the first time

With wide eyes eager to explore the new world

When I didn’t know why the sun rose every morning

But I played in it until I couldn’t anymore

And I was tucked into bed

The glow of the nightlight was all I needed to scare away the monsters

Until sleep took over

I remember waking up again

And realizing the world was a cruel place

And I wasn’t as kind or smart or pretty as I always thought I was

But the sun rose every morning, even when I wished it wouldn’t

I wanted to play in it like I used to

But when I tucked myself into bed

The nightlight wasn’t there to scare away the monsters

And they attacked relentlessly all night long

Now I wake up every morning

Even on the mornings I wish I didn’t

And I know more about the world than I used to

I know why the sun rises

And how horrible and beautiful the world can be, sometimes simultaneously

Maybe I don’t play like I used to

Maybe I am sadder and less confident than I used to be

But I am wiser and stronger now

And one day when I might tuck my children into bed

I’ll remind them that when the monsters try to attack

To remember that they are only in their heads