SHRIEK

That Thing passed through my window

as if no glass were there,

my window just like air. And now

the Thing is out there, waiting –

Child, we say ‘by’ not ‘through’.

a window. What thing?

I seemed to hear it shriek -

and look at its gloomy cowl.

I cannot see which way it faces -

the stars, or scowling in at me.
Oh, don’t remove your cowl,

you Thing, so still and silent.

I will be good if you don’t lift your cowl.

You Silly! Are you fevered?

It was you who shrieked. You had

a silly dream. And what’s this cowl?

Let me feel your brow . .

Don’t . . don’t let it touch me! Don’t

let the Thing come in.

Enough .Go back to  sleep. Why do you stare

so at the window? There’s nothing there.

Only the trees and stars.  It stood

by my bed where you are. It’s awful hand 

appeared from under its white cloak.

Its fingers were all bone. They pointed,

pointed their bones at me. And then it shrieked.

Bone fingers! Tut! What nonsense!

Now, lie down again. You are quite

shaking.  I wish I had curtains

so it could not see.  Do you think

Things like that can pass through curtains?

Really, Child! Goodnight!

Oh please, please - don’t put out the light!

Please, don’t put out the light.