The nightmare

you are running after me
in a never ending circle


a snake, or bear, sometimes shapeless,
faceless but always looming black  


timpani drums shake
as you reach for my ankles


then my legs, my arms
enfolding in quicksand tide 


helpless, you drool mud over me,
placing seeds of mustard on my tongue


holding me close against coarse cheek,
sinking deep in the muck, i hear your fears  


ricocheting, 
                     prickling against my breasts,
bleeding,   
                     running down my thighs 

the madness of which you can't speak
the dark thoughts of which you can't escape 


becoming  m i n e  


knotting my fingers in a prayer, gibberish words flowing
i wallow in my sweat, impaled by my sins, 


while tangled in white sheets,   
you sleep, 
                 breathing easily for the first time 
                


Posted for D'verse Poets Pub:   Nightmare Verse hosted by Stu McPherson 
Shared with Poets United.


picture credit:  here