Probably all daddies and mommies have had their young ones want to sleep in the bed with them to rid their heads of the "ghosts" of the night. I have two daughters and it was the same for both. Ironically, I had written the basis for this poem over 20 years ago and it sat in my files unfinished. The thought was one I really liked and when I decided to publish "Acorns of Love and Wisdom," I knew it had to be included so I took it back out and polished it up. I read it as one of the poems at an author's appearance and was touched by the fact that several women in the audience had tears in their eyes.

GHOSTS ALL GONE

Tiny, tell-tale footsteps
Padded down the hall
Hinges creaked softly in the dark
A little head poked past the door
Two small eyes took a peek
Pat, pat, tiny footsteps once again
A cherubic little voice called out
"Daddy"
Now standing by my bed
Clutching her favorite pillow
Almost big as she
In dainty little arms
She called again
"Daddy, can I get in your bed?"
I swept her up beside me
And tucked her under warm covers
She curled up in a contented ball
Ghosts all gone
As sleep overcame us
Once more