Under the Streetlight

Moths darting overhead, fluttering in the light.
Crickets chirping in the field. Frogs croaking out of sight.
Lightning bugs flash in and out of bushes, grass, and weeds.
A velvet sky holds stars that glow like glistening glimmering beads.

There you would find us, Nancy and me,
Sitting on the corner curb next to the old elm tree,
Under the streetlight, on a warm summer’s night
Telling scary stories that were sure to cause a fright.

The Tinderbox and princes, wicked witches by the score,
Castles, curses, secrets—chills and thrills galore.
Princesses awaiting rescue, shedding bitter tears.
Some ate poison apples. Others slept for years!

Haunted halls with ghosts who walk at night in clanging chains
Make your blood run cold with fear, send ice throughout your veins.
Passageways and dungeons, tower doors that lock.
Mother’s voice is calling. It can’t be nine o’clock!

Just a minute more, I think, I simply can’t depart.
We haven’t even told the best, Poe’s chilling Tell-Tale Heart.
Yet, sure enough the time has come to go back home and sleep.
But who can rest when demons might into your bedroom creep?

Oh well, I guess it’s time to go, I hear Mother call again.
I’d better get back home right now, before the clock strikes ten.
Something is following me, I’m sure, as down the street I flee.
It’s awfully dark and frightening out. Someone is after me!

I see my yard and there’s my house. Now’s the time to ditch him.
I dart inside the old screen door and then into the kitchen.
Whew! That was close. But now I’m safe and sound as I can be,
For Mom has milk and cookies set out just for me.

Ghost stories, witches brews, tales of mystery,
Magic spells and potions, Bluebeard and his key,
There they hide in shadows, lurking by the tree,
Waiting near the streetlight, for Nancy and me.

By Coralie Cederna Johnson