'That' Child

A shadow slips out the door

and glides silently down the hall.

If my eyes hadn't been open

I'd have not heard him at all.

He stands at the window

with nose pressed to the glass.

Dream of the fun of the day before

Playing with friends in the green grass.

All around him the stars

Shine so bright

Yet he stands there

No thought of fright.

When Dad checks on him

By quietly padding down the hall

Wondering why 'That' child

Thinks this is an 11 o'clock ball.

'That' child is simply silent

With thumb in his mouth,

He'll not utter a sound

You'd about think him a mouse.

But for the fact of the

 now silent bed,

You know that he's missing

And from his room has fled.

So out to the kitchen

Dad silently goes

It's time to tred softly

and watch those toes.

He leads a sleepy

But wide awake child

Back to his bed

Where you hope he stays 'while.

And peaceful sleep

with fall over us again.