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The Man on the Stairs

by  bookmark

Posted: Saturday, August 7, 2004
Word Count: 210
Summary: When we stripped the wallpaper off the landing we found someone had painted a black silhouette of Michael Jackson. It seemed to freak my two-year old out a bit.




There’s a man on the stairs, cuddle me Mummy
Don’t laugh, I’m scared – it isn’t funny.
I daren’t cross the landing or climb down the stairs
- No point in crying, nobody cares!
He’ll get me, I know it, when no ones about
He’ll eat me, chew me, then spit me out.

All the while he’s standing and staring,
It appears it’s only me he’s scaring.
If I swallow hard and try to be strong,
I can run to the bathroom – it won’t take long.
Then Mummy will see how I can behave
- I’ll just close my eyes and try to be brave

I’m running, I’m running – I can’t see a thing
(and no one can see the state that I’m in).
I’ve made it – finally – I’m at the door,
I really don’t think I could run anymore.
I turn around to face him head on,
But what has happened – the man has gone!

Dad painted over him in the night,
(Because he gave me such a fright).
Well that’s it I suppose, on with the game,
(I wonder if I’ll see him again)
The man on the stairs has gone – but it’s funny,
I actually think I’ll miss him now Mummy!