Footsteps in the Hall

I laid in bed at night awake

and listened to the silent dark.

I said a prayer, my soul to take -

to fitful sleep my mind embarked.

*

Then sometime in the early morn ,

a sound, it pulled me back from dreams.

It sounded sad and slow, forlorn.

There was someone in my house it seemed.

*

I laid so still and listened hard

till closer yet it came to me.

My bedroom door turned dark and marred,

my heart beat fast, I whispered pleas.

*

But then I calmed - I understood.

I knew that I've no need to fear.

These watchful eyes will not demand -

protection, love are always near.

*

So finally a peaceful sleep

brings dreams of times when I was small.

I listen now, no need to weep...

my father's footsteps in the hall.