My momma told me

Vampires were real

So every night i would make sure the curtains

On the window above my bed covered the window completely,

Not a centimeter uncovered in case

A Vampire should choose to hover above me.

I would then crawl in bed

And get snug under the blankets

Placing my cross necklace on my neck over my nightie so any Vampire would be

Afraid to approach.

And I would stay still

And I would not breathe until exhaustion took over.

All those years I filled my head with the terror of make believe

When reality was worse.

Distraction.