I used to lie in the dark,
Tossing and turning,
Away from the shadows,
My chest was burning.

I used to lie with my eyes open,
Staring at the bottom of the door,
At the only light,
Making my eyes sore.

I used to lie in a ball,
Trying to shrink,
Away from the monsters,
My knuckles to white from pink.

I used to lie clutching the sheets,
Hands shaking a lot,
Because of the danger,
That I might be shot.

I used to lie alone in my room,
Alone in without light,
Because I was oldest,
But I couldn't fight.

I used to lie afraid of the darkness,
Covering my head,
But peaking through a gap,
So I wouldn't end up dead.

Then I remember, you walked in,
My Mother and Father,
My saviours who came
With a light in the darkness.

Though I no longer need it,
I still do not sleep,
Without that hope and guidance,
That little lamp I'll keep.