The Night To Haunt

Writers' Cramp (16/10)

Prompt: ▼

Write an allegorical story or poem -- that is, one in which the protagonist or focal character is a personification of some idea or abstraction. But do your best to make the 'surface' plot have its own independent integrity, even while the tale expresses a clear message on the allegorical level.

Stood in shadows, you watch and want
To step out once, the night to haunt,
Like Wednesday, Elphaba, and Glinda too,
Whose laughter echoes now they've passed through,
With masks and costumes, they danced with glee,
While you lingered here, bound by my plea.

“Stay home,” I whispered, the words a shroud,
"That's not for you, they're far too loud;
You know they'll summon from the night
those monsters waiting there, just out of sight,
Who lurk in shadows, seeking easy prey,
some kid to break,
or take away,
or worse?

Those kids from school, who hunt in packs,
Predators revelling in the grace they lack
with sneers and taunts, and endless strife
with words wielded like a surgeon's knife
forcing darkest shadows to bleed into light,
Whispers spread of a breaking plight,
I've kept you safe
while you yearn for flight,
One day, I'm sure, you'll embrace the night.

The day's nigh over, it's time for sleep,
No more time to spread your wings,
But know this, your chance will keep,
To face this night, and try new things,
Next year,
Maybe,
No fear,
Baby.