Night invader

By Jenny Erlanger

I’m woken by a presence

in the middle of the night.

I’d scream to get attention

but I’m paralysed with fright.

There’s something like a zombie

shuffling slowly round my bed.

Its eyes are staring wildly

from a vacant-looking head.

The figure edges closer.

and I’m just about to pray

then I recognise its features

and the terror drains away.

I’m glad it’s not a monster,

not some evil-minded creep

but I wish my little sister

wouldn’t wander in her sleep!