I’d see him sometimes there

In the corner of my eye

Standing by my bedside

But I never knew why

I sometimes saw him in my dreams

Often terrorized with fear

It felt like a nightmare 

But his message was never clear

He wouldn’t hurt me

But darkness would soon follow

He felt like a bad omen

Or did he just know my heart would soon become hollow

I first saw him when I was three

During a memorable holiday

My dad and brother fast asleep

It was the last visit of an overnight stay

Before our dad left for much longer than a day

I laid awake that night 

Feeling frightened, but not alone

Heaviness in my chest

Foreshadowing a tragic story to be told

He wore a hat

Striking red eyes and a mask

He’d oddly stay away

If I was around any cats

I’d get my holy water

And pray the Our Father 

Paranoid I’d need protection 

From turning into a martyr

But he’d never hurt me

He never actually would say a word

But he was there

Every time drama would get stirred

I don’t think he knows I’m afraid 

And I think it’s why he’s stayed

I think he might just want to check 

And see if I’m okay

Angels tell you not to fear

And warn if danger was near

I hoped that’s what it was 

I just wish his message was more clear

Maybe I’m alone

And my mind’s just playing tricks 

Maybe he’s just mischievous 

Wanting to make my mind appear sick 

It’s possible that he’s there 

To ensure things won’t get worse 

Maybe he couldn’t do anything to help

But could relay a message to the angels

To watch over the child meant to break a generational curse 

A lot of time has passed

Without a touch of harm

Sometimes I still see him

But he doesn’t ring as much of an alarm

I just know that when he’s here

To pray and stay at ease

Don’t let spirits or earthly evils scare you 

God please make the foresighted storm appear as a simple breeze