Not Such a Bargain by Susie Field

 

A cold east wind, whistles and blows.

It’s a wild and stormy night.

I’m just about to fall asleep,

when on comes the security light.

 

I’m not sure it was such a bargain -

even though it was less than half price.

It seems to shine at any old time,

not so good for a brand-new device.

 

I climb out of bed. It’s freezing cold,

and I peer through my windowpane.

My eyes adjust to the darkness outside,

‘cos the light’s gone off again.

 

A lonesome fox swaggers by,

eyes bright as it stares ahead.

The security light should be on –

but it isn’t, so I’ll go back to bed.

 

I twist and turn beneath the duvet,

trapped in an endless dream.

Then the light shines brightly yet again,

and I’m caught in its eerie beam.

 

I don’t look out, though I sense someone close,

voices are calling my name.

Shadows are spreading across my room.

Fingers scraping my windowpane.

 

I’m shocked and scared as I try to hide,

my bedroom’s in darkness once more,

Why doesn’t the light begin to shine?

‘Cos there’s knocking on my door.

 

I can hear heavy footsteps on the stairs.

It’s really too much to bear.

My bedroom door swings open wide,

but there isn’t anyone there.

 

I’m now on the landing looking out.

I sense movement far below.

A shadow crosses my garden path –

and the light begins to glow.

 

 

It’s not as bright as it ought to be,

but at least it seems to be working.

Then all of a sudden, off it goes,

yet there’s definitely something lurking.

 

I creep downstairs and open the door,

shouting, “Is anyone there?”

As if they are going to answer me,

and now I no longer care.

 

I’m just about to go back inside,

when I hear a sudden sound.

Then I’m grabbed quite roughly from behind,

and fall on the hard cold ground.

 

I shout and scream. I must escape,

and I put up a desperate fight.

But this is no ordinary human form,

it’s a creature of the night.

 

I’m now flying high, there’s no escape,

as I’m held in his tight embrace.

Joining the other poor lost souls,

all dreading the danger we face.

 

Is this where it all comes to an end?

Trapped in the twilight zone.

I dread the future that lies ahead,

as I’m forced into the unknown.

 

I shouldn’t have bought the security light,

‘cos now I’m paying the price.

I’d have probably had an undisturbed sleep,

if I’d not bought that stupid device.