KAYLA PAOLILLO Nightmares

There’s a little place inside my brain Where monsters go to hide. There’s a tiny space under my bed Where my heart resides.

I’m up all night convincing them It’s not where they belong, But they won’t budge, they’re much too stuck, They’ve been there far too long. So, I said, “I’ll make a deal.

I’ll let you stay each night, But only if you’re quieter And a little more polite.”

So evening came, I shut the door, I turned off all the lights. But I couldn’t hear my beating heart, Or monsters claw and bite.

I tried to close my eyes and sleep, But the silence was too loud.

The lullabies just wouldn’t do, I craved a different sound.

First I asked the monsters back, But begged them not to roar.

The most they do is bang and scratch Behind my closet door.

The heart I needed most of all, How could I let her leave?

I told her that I’d keep her close, I’d wear her on my sleeve.