Bogeyman

She learnt young

that he would visit

those not blanketed in sleep

before dark

Risked it once

tight safe in fathers arms

watching for the wishing star

until their whispered vigil

was stilled by mothers screams,

eyes glazed with fear

of the silent man in black

echoing her footsteps

past the old church yard.

The plough would cut the night sky many times

before she saw it again,

while mothers fears remained

constant as the moon.