Pavor nocturnus

by Donna Gagnon

his parents believe one day he’ll outgrow
this screaming, heart racing, mind clenching
terror in the night

they hold him close as he shakes and sweats
ignoring childish mutters of “monster” and “kill”

his parents can’t see the darkness in the boy
fools! I am here, in him, beside him, guiding
beyond their meagre human powers

they will know my name and truth
one night when he works my bidding