Grown-up Monsters

by Regina Solomond

At eight I outgrew the fear of
Spirits waiting in the shadows
Distorted faces outside dark windows

                                                Roses are red

And snatching hands beneath basement steps.
I slept without my rabbit doll and nightlight.

                                                Bruises are blue

At twenty-four I met you on the subway with your
Combed hair, pressed suit, suave smile
And fell under your spell.

                                            My childhood nightmares

I forgot that sirens are beautiful
Until I was already drowning.

                                            Incarnate in you