I was a normal child
I grew up like every other kid
I knew.

I was an owl.
Always the last to fall asleep,
Listening to the night's silence
until the coast was clear.

I crawled out of bed
In pitch black I crept down the stairs
Avoiding the creaks and groans
That would reveal my secret.

That on the other side of the house
I went to lock the garage door,

the laundry room window

the living room window

the back door

the kitchen window

the playroom window

the family room window

the front door.

twice.

I would be hurt
If I forgot.
The world would end if I forgot.
So I couldn't forget.

I kept my small blue eyes open
Just long enough
To be Superwoman.
To keep everyone safe.

I was a normal child.
I grew up like every other kid
With the weight of the world on my shoulders.