What’s that in the shadows

With gnarling, gnashing teeth?

What is hiding under bed

Dark, far underneath?

Will you lay here with me, mommy?

Till the sun is up to sky?

No! I’m not a big boy-

If you leave me now I’ll die!

Just lullaby your baby

I’m frightened of this dark

Turn on all my lights

Or I’ll be eaten by a shark

Hold my hand, sweet poppa

Don’t leave me in this room

Doing so is wicked mean

And leads to certain doom!

Don’t you see its eyes

Burning yellow bright?

It’s growing rather hungry

And cares not of a night light!

So don’t go now, big brother

Just stay a little please

The snake that looms behind that door

Will slurp me up with ease

BUT if you stay it smells you

And soon it will retreat!

Because I hear it is a-llergic

To the stench of a-dult feet

So save me from this quandary

Please-I beg of you

Shh, I’m sure I heard it

What was that?  Achoo!