Shadow People

When darkness overcomes the light,
And twilight steals across the land,
When sunlight disappears from sight,
The Shadow People all join hands.

Beneath the stars their dance begins.
On silent feet they march as one.
Their music is the moaning wind
And scratching branches beat their drum.

Around my house the Shadows creep.
Outside my door they writhe and glide.
Although I'm tired, I must not sleep.
I dare not let them come inside.

Outside my window they all stand.
Their twisted fingers reach for me.
If I dare let them take my hand,
A Shadow just like them I'll be.

I hear their whispered voices say,
"Open the door. Don't be afraid.
Come with us now. Come out and play.
We'll let you join our dark parade."

I hide beneath my quilt all night,
Just praying for the break of day
When waking birds sing back the light
And Shadow People fade away.