Sibling Company

An eve of darkness and shadows,
No moonlight penetrates the clouds.
Thick and black, they hang above,
Weeping in torrents upon us.

A fork of lightning, striking.
A clap of thunder, deafening all.
Screams from a child behind me.
From under the covers of bed.

Soft laughter escapes my lips,
The electricity cuts off, darkness.
More screaming from the blanket.
I roll my eyes as thunder booms.

Reaching under the covers,
My cold hands grab a warm leg.
A squeal and kicks in attempt
To get me far far away again.

Lightning, thunder, forgotten,
Tickle wars have begun, laughter.
Dancing fingers on the foot,
On a tummy and a neck, squeals.

Torch light, parents scold.
Stiffled laughs and shared looks.
Sleep tonight, too scared alone,
Share the bed, hugging, sleep...

KC - 16/7/05