A dream would answer reluctance to sleep
(fearful of never waking)
but you'd have to sleep first...

     Fear of death lives best in the mind
of tormented youngsters,
among all else they must overcome.
     Battling like green blades of spring to emerge 
from illusory dungeons of childhood.

     Them there closer to the end smile and play 
the fool without a care. Youngsters play along
until they head at last for their rest alone.
     And the fear returns, keen as ever
to explore ever more insane byways.

You're desperate enough to make any offers,
take any deal from a God you have no faith in.
And consider 
most improbable ways out.

     Thanatophobia knocks 
box-office horror into a cocked hat.

     But come to question a youngster
on those sad shades of depression:
they'll invent credible explanations.