Enjoy my entry for the 6th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest,

held by children’s author, Susanna Leonard Hill.

I’m Not Afraid

by Patricia Franz

Late at night, curled up in bed,

When shadows loom above my head,

When the half-moon wanes and streetlamps glow,

When stars are dim and the fire’s low,

It’s not the whirring wind outside

Or a screech that leaves me petrified.

It’s not cans that fall with a bang and a crash

when critters find dinner in the neighbor’s trash.

I’m not afraid of toys or bears

Or alligators that come in pairs.

I’m not afraid of glowing stars,

Moving mobiles, horns or cars

Or backpacks, squirrels, or a striped stuffed cat.

I’m not afraid of any of that.

What scares me most, deep down inside

Is when I can’t sleep by your side.

If bad dreams come, I won’t be there

To nestle close or retrieve your bear

or fetch a blanket when you’re cold

or give you a furry paw to hold.

But I’ll be brave. I’ll wait all night

Outside your door, till morning light.

I’ll guard your room so you can dream

Of hearts and parks and pink ice cream.

And when the first sun ray appears,

When your giggles fill my ears,

I’ll nudge the door, sniff my way in,

nuzzle your nose, tickle your chin.

It’s how I ask: “Will you be mine?

Can I be your Valentine?”