Cloud of dread

Feeling of foreboding

Warm blankets with their arms

around me

My brother’s quiet crib

Bear, my best friend,

quietly snuggled in my arms

The ominous window,

staring down at me

watchful, protective

Guardian of the night

Guardian of my dreams

Shield between sons of the dark

and us

Already blanketed with slumber

Then

LOUDEST NOISE I’VE EVER HEARD

Breaking glass

More noise from the outside

My guardian shattered,

defeated swiftly

Crying, screaming

Hands clasped, slapped down

over my ears

in case more noise

interrupts

The fresh, smoked smell

The copper shell on the floor

My brother’s disturbed crib

His screeching cry

The noise that traveled

over his head,

he no longer remembers.

He is lucky.

Screeching, burning tires

Driving away

Running from the scene

Squeezing my Bear, my friend

Salty tears upon my tongue

Wet tears in my dry mouth

Mother opening the door

Are you hurt?

Taking Brother

Taking Bear

Taking me

Carried to mother’s room

Water running over my tongue,

down my throat

Mother tucking Brother in

Tucking Bear in

Tucking me in

Warm blankets with their arms

around me

My brother’s quiet crib

Bear, my best friend

quietly snuggled in my arms

The new window,

staring down at me,

watchful, protective

Guardian of the night

Guardian of my dreams

Shield between the night and dawn

I close my eyes

and succumb to slumber

Finis