Night Terrors by Valerie Parente

You only feel afraid
in the nighttime
when the darkness spreads
across your eyes
but you may be mistaken
in your nightly fright
because without this contrast
you would not recognize the light.

The stars
the moon
the planets
the sky.
Rest assured
that you can rest tonight.
You should be anything
but terrified.

– Valerie Parente (6-26-2025)