Rebuke

Auzu Billahi Minash Shaytanir Rajeem...

a prelude to prayer,

to form a shield of protection

and rebuke
any creeping and crawling
shadow-like being
prancing about
to tantalize
a young child.

Whispered three times
in earnest
when I was eight,
I seek refuge in God from the accursed devil...
and like a wand throwing a patronus charm
the darkness lifted.