Ghosts inside the wardrobe
Monsters under beds
Much of what we fear the most
Lives inside our heads
In plain sight, from the closet
Hidden, in disguise
Non-conforming footsteps
We chastise or criminalise
People just out walking
Kids upon the streets
Scary strangers everywhere
We never stop to greet
Nor get to know their stories
They might be just like us –
Human beings – one and all
With whom we could discuss
Our misconceptions, biases
Our fears and problems, woes
The sharing of our worries
Our highs, our laughs, our lows
Instead, we search with torches
For blemishes and flaws
Scurry from all contact
Main reason, just because
We’re scared of unfamiliar
Find terror while we seek
For evidence of spider webs
At which we all can shriek
Our horror at the dangers
Of finding one nearby
Though itty, bitty problem
When you’re not the fly
Squash it though, it’s dangerous
Unwelcome or just yuck
Too bad if it has feelings
We’re bigger so tough luck
Ghosts inside subconscious
Monsters underneath
Let’s fear most rigidity
Of entrenched belief
Stalwart in its standpoint
Even when it’s wrong
Discordant in its melody
Will only sing one song
Mirrors at the ready
Torches to our eyes
Forensic in analysis
It’s our fears we most despise
* Phobos – the Greek god of fear and panic
scottishmomus 