This Evil Nightmare
By: Paul Spatola

Blindly I run,
Begging escape,
Faltering through
Uneven landscape.

Feeling heated breath
Of the pursuing beast,
On my still-beating heart
It longs to feast.

The sound of its tread
Close on my heels,
My mind explodes,
My blood congeals.

Hearing its howl,
A bestial cry.
Wanting to live,
Praying to die.

To turn and face,
If only I dare.
Yearning to wake
This evil nightmare!

Paul Spatola