Our house stood in deep seclusion
In the middle of oaks and pines;
I’d not stray into the darkness
Where the moon glow could not shine.
Sensing that the darkness scared me,
Daddy took me by the hand.
Walked with me into the darkness,
Helping me to understand.
Pausing by the tree we raced to
In the daylight hours at play,
“Feel of this,” he told me gently;
“It’s the same tree, night or day.”
“See that shadow over yonder?
That’s our mailbox,” he remarked.
“Ain’t no need to be so scared, hon;
Nothing Changes after dark.”
“Look up yonder,” Daddy pointed
As I stared up at the sky
Where the silver moon was glowing
Through the trees that we stood by.
“If you’re scared at night, just picture
How things look in light of day.
It’s the same road and the same yard
And the same place that you play.”
“The moon and stars will always be there,
Though the moon, it changes …
So the darkness never lasts, hon,
And the sun will surely rise.”
I’m no longer scared of darkness;
Just a glance at moon and stars
Reminds me of the moonlit walk then
And brings peace into my heart.
Daddy thought his words had calmed me
The night he helped me understand
He never knew what made my fears leave:
It was holding Daddy’s hand.
Copyright © 2006 by moleta ruth mccarter. All rights reserved.
