My boogieman had breath of diseases,
bubonic and crimson it’s creeping
on food and in houses.
I feared the tiptoeing sound were from lice or
my coughing was TB.
I remember how I easily fainted from facts
of how sickness is present on rodents,
or how fever is just a beginning.
When my cousin was dying in cancer
I imagined it crawling inside
just eating intestines and when the
eyes of father were fading, I thought
that my sight would be lost just like his.
I know how it sounds
when bogeyman calls.
The plague by Arnold Böcklin
One of the many bogeymens from my childhood was diseases. I don’t call myself a hypochondriac, but I fear what a terrible plague could be. The worst short story I ever read was the masque of the read death by Poe. Ever since my father got retina detachment I have feared for that, and during the weekend I had my surgery for that. Fortunately technology is so much better nowadays so full recovery is expected, especially since my fear of that bogeyman was strong enough to seek help early enough. Linked to Rommy’s prompt at toads.
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April 28, 2017
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Excellent write, Björn…really conjures up the childhood, and later, fears…..
I think that sickness and disease are the most terrifying facts of life for a child to come to terms with, all the more so because the bogeyman is real.
When I was a teenager I used to worry about the dreaded Big C, thinking any minor complaint was a sign of it. Touch wood, it wasn’t and hasn’t been since.
Seems the bogeyman did good in that you sought out help soon re retina detachment – I guess our fears keep us on alert. Glad to hear full recovery is expected.
Anna :o]
This is so poignant, Bjorn. I agree, sickness and diseases are most horrifying when we are children.
I too, I know how it sounds when bogeyman calls … though, mine go by the name of hobgobllins. Smiles. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
That Poe tale terrified me, as well. I think this is definitely where the boogeyman lies for me now, was an adult. Well put.
This is a perceptive angle. The fear of disease really is like a bogeyman!
Oh Bjorn, how frightening for you, your father having had that before you. I am so glad technology has improved so amazingly, and that you will fully recover. A poet needs his eyes!
A nasty bogeyman indeed! And more realistically scary than most. But the fear has an upside when you seek help in good time.
You found the perfect image to go with the poem!
Illness boogeymen are some of the worst. My grandmother stayed with us when she was in the last stages of ovarian cancer. I was only nine years old. It brought so many fears.
sideways comment here – have you ever read Kim Stanley Robinson, The Years of Rice and Salt? An alternative history where the plague wiped out Europe, and history was led by the rest of the world. ~
No, but it sounds like a terrific idea… the consequences of the black plague was so different from country to country… I can recommend Kristin Lavransdotter by Sigrid Unset for an account from a Norwegian perspective.
Bjorn, this is so real and tangible… your fear was so much realer than specters under the bed. This really grabbed me.
What an awful awful boogey man
and a great write
much love…
This is VERY good. The opening is especially gross, which you know I love. 😛
Really clever, Bjorn. Thanks for letting us know it was real. As a child we have way too many fears. With all the guns and rampant shootings, war atrocities, parents a danger on drug or overloaded with life’s problems, etc., it’s no wonder this younger generation has more fears than the ones before.
Thanks for peeking in. My yesterday was terribly busy, I did good to post for NaPoWriDayMo but are making rounds this morning and after midnight early today. I’m glad to read yours this morning.
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Great write, Björn. Illness is an awful bogeyman for both children and adults. Best wishes on a full recovery.
Be well, Bjorn. Disease is frightening at any age, but particularly when you are a child.
As ever and interesting take. Good for you and the need to care for problems early.
You’ve got me fearing the bogeyman now.
Hope your eye is fully recovered.