In the Dark

A slice of what it feels like to fear the darkness.

It starts in the heart.

Chilled, it shivers, spreading
Along paths of liquid red.
Cold toungues rasp down, then up
The shoulders and the spine,
Body arching treacherously as
Age-old bones uncoil and
Taught muscles plead for liberation.
Pupils widen, then contract, as the
Windows to the soul shudder closed,
Abandoning hope and embracing the encroaching darkness.
Then it ends.

Right?

Shadows never stretch or loom,
or whisper softly certain doom.
Fires wouldn't die away-
Ashes wouldn't hiss nor play
Beneath the moon
In that alleyway
Over there.

Right?

Please comfort me,
Hold me tight,
It's out there now,
Outside the light.

I'm cold, so cold...

Did the darkness just grow bolder?

Silence blooms with heavy fruit,
Anticipation taking root
In soil bleached and parched with thirst-
Scattered breaths moan their curse.

Can't you feel it?

Don't be scared, you now I'm here.
I am your deepest, darkest fear.

Oh, don't frown, my child, dear!
When you need me
I'll be near.