Bedtime Story
Every night mom told me a story.
“The Penguin pranced through the purple forest in search of the snails that paint fingernails.
She slid on her back and then on her tummy.
She almost rolled into the street, that wasn’t funny.
A deer to the rescue, bounced her into the fog.
After saving her life, she introduced her to a frog.
He didn’t ribbit, he could only roar.
He said his name was Prince and that the snails were no more.
Her search ended there when she heard about the salt.
Last year’s winter brought ice, it was all the humans’ fault.
They came in big trucks, sprinkling it all around.
The snails melted, never again to be found.
Rumor has it that their shells crumbled into a beautiful lavender.
Now the land remains colorful every day of the calendar.”
“Good night my sweet girl.” She whispered as she kissed my forehead.
“No! Don’t go, I’m scared.” I begged her to stay. “Tell me the story again, please!”
“What are you scared of?” She yelled, pointing at the clock. “It’s way past midnight!”
“That shadow on the ceiling looks like a forest. What if it comes to life and the animals talk to me? Can daddy come sit with me, then?” I cried.
“Child, haven’t you ever heard there is nothing to fear but fear itself? The only animal in this house is your father, blasted snake! Maybe he would sit with you if he could come home at a decent hour.”
“He’s not a snake and I think you’re a snail because your mouth felt icky when you kissed me good night.”
She pulled my night light from the socket and threw it on the ground.
“Let’s see how scared of the dark you really are!”
Leesa Writes 