Piercing Eyes in the Shadows

Piercing Eyes in the Shadows

I know that it is time to go,
Yet I hesitate even so..
The moon is up and in full glow
The cold night wind has begun to blow.

Winter chores though must be done
Once light is gone from the sun;
Day’s school and sports had been fun
Yet fear overtook me when chores were begun.

The barn was where I did my work
Yet unknown creatures in shadows did lurk
My heart did pound, my pulse did perk
I feared the dark and was really quite berserk.

I was raised having heard much of ghosts
Many stories I heard of these scary hosts.
What really turned me into toast:
Was their piercing gaze which I feared the most.

Eyes dark and fierce I feared to see–
As if they could see clear through of me;
Why I feared this so could clearly be:
That they could steal my soul and with it flee.

I sought that gaze as my eyes did look
To every shadow, door and dark lit nook
Peace of mind my fear forsook
Any ghosts could read me like a book.

Yet nightly I would make my rounds
Tending creatures who were earthly bound,
My heart racing with each unusual sound,
Losing weight in sweat drops by the pound.

Thankfully now I have passed that stage;
Many fears subside with advancing age.
Darkness no longer fears this sage
My life now reads on a different page.

I still have fears – that I know–
Yet as my new fears start to show
I look back and with confidence sow
New seeds of courage that I hope will grow.