The Monster That Lives Under My Bed
R.M. Stockton’s "Monster Under My Bed Challenge"
I lie awake and listen to the silent room
Not be silent anymore
It has awakened - I am frozen - too scared to even whimper - facing certain doom
My parents, deep asleep, next door – softly snore
Claws scratching, belly slithering, its scales rasp against the underside of my bed, my pink teddy bear coverlet trails over its head
Reptilian nostrils wide open, tuned to my scent, out comes its long, ugly, scarred, warty, snout
Breath rank with muddy swamp and a fishy whiff of putrid rotten meat – it feeds on my dread
A cold blooded killer, hungry for flesh, with savage yellow eyes. All I can think is “It is coming to eat me! It is coming to eat me, to swallow me whole! There is no way out!”
Huge jaws open, rows of sharp yellow teeth, glisten in the dim moonlight, a foul gray tongue tastes the air
Convulsed in horror – I do an Olympic metal worthy, jump for the light switch - toes not really, touching the floor.
Bright light floods the room – vanquishing the shadows, of what is not really there.
The monster is gone, so terrifyingly real just a moment before!
I stand in my onesie, perplexed – “where did it go?” To be safe, I switch on every lamp. Cradling my flashlight, I leave it on low
Just in case, it might, decide to slime its way back, and go bump in the night
About the Creator
Bonnie Bowerman
Just a curious soul with a crayon, at the beginning of my writing journey. There were many absorbing detours along the way.
I am so happy, I stumbled upon this community. The depth of talent here, takes my breath away!
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Bonnie Bowerman and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Road to Nowhere
Trigger warnings: Violence, Death. "May the Sun burn your tongue out, woman," Fredrick's father screamed the curse into his mother's ear as their elegant little carriage rumbled along, its polished wood and gilded trim glinting in the torchlight. They had just left the small village of Saffron and were on an unnamed road to the capital for the Royal wedding. Fredrick leaned back in his plush velvet seat to escape into the passing landscape, but across from him sat the servant boy, a scrappy lad named Jack. Jack's eyes held a mixture of awe and fear, the kind that only a commoner could feel in the presence of nobility. Jack looked up and caught Fredrick's gaze, offering him a sad little smile before reaching into his pocket and retrieving a little caramel treat. This candy was no doubt stolen from the kitchen treat cupboard; if he was caught with it, he would be locked in the box as punishment.
By Frank English4 days ago in Fiction
Comments (2)
This is written with the excitement and innocence of a child. Beautiful poem! Your descriptions were so vivid! This is perfectly executed. WELL DONE!
Awww, but that croc looks like he just wants to cuddle hehehehe. Loved your poem!