critters by Kaleb Tutt
Shine the flickering flashlight , spot scared silhouettes cowering , necks bent , spines broken , faces hidden . Eyes in closet slats refract , shine momentarily , don ’ t look-
listen , hum of the ceiling fan , phantom ice clinking in glass cups , secrets whispered at your bedside , nails scratching your bedpost , fists pounding the window , so fast , don ’ t listen-
feel , a tug at your bedsheets , mattress weighing itself down , fingers tousling your hair , tongue licking your cold toes ,
28