FEAR

I’ve never dreaded witches

Who look such dreadful frights,

Flying over ditches

On dark and windy nights.

I never shake if fingers

Touch my face at night,

If of course it lingers

I then turn on the light.

I just ignore the bogies

Lurking in the dark,

Packs of fat old fogies

Looking for a lark.

If I ever saw a lion

I’d punch him on the nose.

I’ve nerves of steel and iron

As everybody knows.

I don’t believe in being scared

I’ve never seen a ghost,

For creepy tales I’ve never cared,

And that’s my favourite boast.

I’ve proved that I’m the bravest

Of super heroes still,

So why does that stupid dentist

Still scare me with his drill?

© Margaret Pearce

A version of this published HOUSE OF SPROUTS 1987

A version of this published in LOVE & FEAR  A Poetry Anthology 2003 by Artary Project Space (Community Arts Project Victoria)