I couldn’t say what’s under there
Old mold? A hibernating bear?
It’s not well-lit. Pipes fill the air.
My visits there are very rare

If I need the special spray
I reach in quick and look away
The back’s not been seen since moving-in day
Whatever was there was there to stay

Except. Except there was yesterday.

Yesterday, my fears I hid
To set an example for my kids
“No job’s too tough!” “The grunge we’ll rid!”
(I hope there’s not a giant squid.)

I knelt on the ground. “In I go,” I said.
I looked around. Wait? Why the dread?
No insects, no growths and nothing dead.
Just castoff bottles and dog food instead

Why are all the fun terrors just in my head?