when we were kids
we thought 60 watts would keep the monters away
we thought Mom and Dad would scare them away

when we were kids
they were our heroes.
Mom and Dad would fight the daytime monsters
how did we know?

because they'd come home tired

as the sun rose and slept
the days passed
turning years

my mind now hears.

we had to grow up fast.

Mom and Dad aren't here anymore
the demons
They got to them.

gave them poison
replaced them.

we go to school
putting on the mask.

we sit in class
smiling and laughing with
"friends"

look at me
guess I'm the pretender.

when the bell releases us
we feel...
afraid.

we don't won't to go
not yet.

walk home
drive home
take a ride

all the same.

heart beating
head down
gritted teath
hitched breath

we get there
hesitating.

"I don't...