Whispers that come in the night

Often carry further

Than those in the day

That’s why I wield a flashlight

To turn the light off

Form barricades

Of pillows

Double-check

That that pile of clothes

Isn’t a body

Or an intruder

That no one else

Lies in my bed

That’s why

I sleep on my side

Less open

Less vulnerable

Than on my back

Like a

Helpless

Little

Turtle

Against

A

Predator

That’s why I scan

Every inch

Of trees

Through my window

Watch every car

Pass completely

And know

Where everything is

Around me

That could be

Used as a weapon

If I needed it

That’s why

I’m scared

Of the dark