My Great Fear

Ever since I was a little girl;
I've had this terrible fear.
It's of the basement in the house;
I shudder to even go near.

It always seems so scary down there;
Even during the sunny daytime.
Maybe cause it's dark below;
Even when the sun does shine.

Whenever I have to go down there;
I will hurry and do my work.
For I have this eerie feeling;
That if I linger, I could be hurt.

As soon as I'm done, I hurry;
I run up the basement stairs.
I even look over my shoulder;
To make sure nobody is there.

Even now, after I have grown;
This fear, I still do carry.
I have no reason why I do;
But in the basement, I am wary.

I always keep a light down there;
It burns both day and night.
It helps to light the way for me;
And helps to ease my fright.

Perhaps we all have certain fears;
Yet some will not confess.
But if they did, they'd feel better;
And still be a good person, no less.

© Betty Hawkins 2003
(All Rights Reserved)