The Sock Drawer

Mythical beasts

I know where to find them.

They hide in my sock drawer

And under the stairs

With knobby noses

And eyes that glare.

I search for them

When I’m exhausted.

They dance around me

When I want to give up,

And they entertain

My weary heart.

If I laugh with them,

They grow twice as loud.

I think they enjoy my

Company and song;

My approving smile,

Especially if I dance along.

But when I’m quiet,

They act with concern,

And touch my face

And ask if I’m okay,

Because they care about me,

They say.

If I don’t like

What they say and do,

They pull my hair

And gnash their teeth

And point their fingers

Straight at me.

Terrible beasts

I know where they live.

In the corners of my mind

Where I let darkness lie.

Right next to my socks,

That’s where they hide.