You don’t check under your bed anymore.

You outgrew that phase.

Even if you did,

it would be pointless

because as soon as you look,

               It’ll move to the closet.

You don’t check your closet anymore.

You’re grown now;

There’s no need.

Even if you did,

it would be pointless

because as soon as you look,

               It’ll move outside your window.

But your blinds are closed,

so what’s the point?

Nothing can harm you

As you lie under the covers.

You’re grown now.

               Monsters don’t invade your thoughts.

But maybe that’s what people mean when they say,

“Don’t grow up. It’s a trap.”

Because as soon as you do,

You become oblivious to the fact that a

               Monster.

               Creature.

               Thing.

Is hiding

               Right.

               Behind.

               You.

But don’t look now.

It will be gone when you do.