Nightmares

I had a real fantastic day.

Nothing bad, just play, play, play.

Went to a movie with my friends.

But then somehow, when daytime ends:

Nightmares.

Brushing teeth, I joked around.

Washing up, I laughed and clowned.

Said g ’night to Dad and Mom,

then I laid down, nice and calm . . .

Nightmares!

Chased by wolves,

no escape.

Monsters screeching,

changing shape.

Dusty tombstones,

bones beneath.

Swooping dragons,

giant teeth—

all things awful, all things wrong,

all these nightmares, all night long!

There’s really little that I fear.

I’m full of good thoughts and good cheer.

Just talk to me five seconds, and it’s plain—

now could someone please explain that to my brain?