GOTCHA!
A goat’s head effigy hangs in the shadows.
Who put it there in the tree at the bottom of my garden?
Have I been marked for death, by them?
I'm so young, it's not fair! So much to see and do.
I take a moment.
That's it! I'll confront this head on.
They won't take me whimpering and cowering in the darkness.
I stride out through the patio doors.
Down the garden in just my socks and underpants.
Pitch black darkness; moon obscured by clouds.
The only light coming from the static on the TV in the room behind me.
I approach the tree, looking at the effigy out the corner of my eye.
The only sound comes from it gently knocking against the tree.
I take a deep breath, then reach up and snatch it.
I look down at what's in my hands:
my pair of Converse high-top boots tied together by the laces.
Bastard big brother!
I should stop falling asleep in front of the TV.