I need five more minutes to not think about the next eight hours
To think instead of damp leaves turned vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow
Of children rushing off to class to be inspired by a special teacher
Of Friday night football games
When the community gathers to cheer on the troops
As they hustle up and down the field
Each believing God is on their side.
I start to work.

I need five more minutes before I turn off the light
To dream about tomorrow and the promise it may hold
To imagine all the monsters out of my closet and
To close up the window tight
So the giant who lurks outside my window,
Posing as a tree by day
Will leave me alone in the night.
I turn off the light.