Nightmares from Childhood
by Agnes Clarke
Childhood fears have surfaced with dreams a nightmare clear
Winter sunshine’s cold warmth each degree shows frost is near
Children’s laughter trilling danger for the willing to share
Forced by winds so stormy the fallen tree calls its reckless dare
Warned by parents worried no heed did I take
Mum will never know “Oh what a mistake”
The gentle river played by, has become a dam so deep
The day that torture touched my life still haunts me when I sleep
The climb was slippery and slimy the roots a muddy maze
Holding on with caution the trunk I reached with ease
But that giant tree gave no mercy and from prickly bark I fell
Down into water deep and cold my fear a living hell
Dragged to depths unknown with sanity lost in fear
Reaching and flailing worthlessly a pounding in my ears
To light above I drifted up but river tendrils drew me down
Holding forcing dragging lungs imploding with such pain
Up again with reaching arms please Lord don’t let me die
Tired acceptance seeping through me and blackness it was nigh
Wrapped in clothes so wet tangled up my watery prison clear
Silent screams within my mind no-one above will hear
Shaking, shaking, shaking is this how death takes hold
Strong arms around me holding and dragging me from the folds
Waken up your dreaming, sweetheart, the nightmare chase away
You are safe so snuggle softly until the light of day
Writers Bio
I am a retired housewife and grandmother of Jacob
I have been writing poetry for quite a few years
I enjoy the challenge of writing my verse
Especially from pictures
I live in Lisburn N Ireland and have been married for 49 years
Inspirational Image

Pieces Inspired by this Image
'Drawing In'
by Glen Wilson
'The Lighthouse'
by Lynn White
'The Mirror'
by Harmony Hodges
'I woke up'
by Vivek Mukherjee