Poem: "Nightmares -for-Sale- SOLD"

[ysabetwordsmith]

Back in the October 2008 Poetry Fishbowl, I wrote this poem.  It was prompted by minor_architect and glitteringlynx.  When I mentioned that it was related to this month's fishbowl poem "The Dream Dump," janetmiles decided to sponsor both of them.

Nightmares For Sale SOLD

Come here, little boy …
We’re having a Halloween special.

What’s that?
Why, we’re selling nightmares, of course.

You don’t want any, you say?
Are you sure?
Don’t you have anyone to buy presents for?

Your sister, ah, I see … right this way.
Here’s a splendid nightmare for her.
Just look at the bright colors, the balloons,
And the clown. 
It wouldn’t be a proper FunHouse Nightmare without the clown.
She’ll go for the balloons, you see,
And then when the clown steps behind the bedsheet
Flapping on the clothesline - hah!  Didn’t expect those claws,
Did you, young sir?
Oh, don’t cry … your sister won’t expect them either.

How much? 
Not much at all.
Just a little piece of your soul.
You’re what, nine?  You’ll have plenty left.
Don’t worry about keeping count before you reach your teens.
It’s all chump change until then.

There you go!
Now run along home.
Your sister’s waiting for her surprise.