The Nightlight...

The nightlight...
scaring away the monsters
once the doors are closed
and you are left alone
with your fears.

The nightlight...
making it possible to read in the dark
so your mom won't catch you
because you are supposed to be
sleeping.

The nightlight...
providing comfort
providing peace
when you wake
in the middle of the night
alone
with the sounds of silence
in your room.

The nightlight...
representing childhood
and the fact that you
a parent
are still needed.

So the day your son says he doesn't need his nightlight anymore,
you realize something.
The monsters are gone.
The reading goes on with or without consent.
The comfort and peace exists within.

Your son's childhood is ending.
Or entering a new phase.

Grief
Excitement
Grief
Pride
Grief
Reality.

They grow up way too fast.