THE NIGHT


A boy of five
Wanders in the forest
All alone
The sun sets slowly

He huddles against a tree
They are so tall
Touching the sky
A shiver runs through him

No coat
As the night begins to touch him
Where is everyone
He is hungry

The crack of a branch
There behind him
Fear then panic
Mommy

He sits on a fallen log
It is dark in the forest
There are creatures
That will eat you

Giant bears
Not like the teddy in his arms
He looks around
Voices

He yells Mommy
No response
He counts
And does his A,B D's

He begins to shiver
It is cold now
He was playing with his
Brother and sisters

Now they are gone
Then the touch
Arms surround him
Mommy

Michael V Hechtman