Safe Place
I am assaulted by fear. It paralyzes me. If by chance the sudden assault happens while I am away from home I cement a smile to my face to hide my dread while longing to return to my sanctuary.
Some days the fear is so overwhelming I can only find refuge in darkness, sleep. I retreat to my bedroom. I mask the eerie silence of my safe place with the artificial sound of a rainstorm. I climb in bed and pull the covers to my chin. I block out the dim light of a city night with a dark shirt placed carefully over my eyes. But my bedroom is too large, it contains too many hiding places for scary monsters. So I retreat to my closet.
I lay out blankets and towels to separate my naked body from the dirty carpet. I cover myself with jackets, blankets and sheets before pulling the closet door shut. I can hear the sound of the recorded storm. A sudden crack of thunder brings me peace.
I rest in the darkness secure in my safe place…
My tomb.