I know you are there from the pit in my stomach,

Lurking in the darkness as I move around my apartment.

The floor creaks when I step and the ceiling pounds in reply.

I fall into my mattress, exhausted, pleading

That you will leave me alone for the night.

 

But you are hungry, growling softly against the wood slats

Of my bedframe. I feel your grasp around my neck, pulling me further in.

Goosebumps erupt across my skin like a rash.

I tell myself that I am not afraid of your glistening teeth

Which shine in the dark, your veined and wrinkled skin,

Or your tunneled stare, as I sink deeper into the bed.

 

Your warm, acrid breath flows into the air in the shape of my name.

I squeeze my eyes shut while the pounding of my heart

Rings in my ears, asking me if I know how lonely it is to be so frightening.

My hand falls over the edge of the bed

And your long, wet tongue licks my fingers.