I’m off-prompt today.

The Monster Under the Bed

He’s not there in the daytime
But at night I hear him breathing
I can smell his stinky breath
Like rotting garlic and seaweed
He bumps my mattress just as I fall asleep
My heart pounds—
Can he hear it?

I don’t want to fall asleep
He might eat me
I want to run to Mommy and Daddy’s room
But he might reach out from under the bed
And grab my ankles and pull me in

I hold my breath and listen
But I can’t hear anything
Except the owl in the yard
Calling his question
(Who? Who?)
Maybe the monster is sleeping

I think he is hairy all over 
And has sharp green teeth
And bloodshot eyes
And hands with sharp claws
I know he’s just waiting 
For his chance to catch me

When daylight comes
I’ll check under the bed
But he’ll be gone

©ARHuelsenbeck 2021