With Painted Words

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