Feel it

Long before it reaches 

out to scratch you,

you can hear the darkness

of the woods surround you

with a hissing sound 

that raises hairs 

upon your arms.

You walk more quickly,

break into a run

as if a run was what

your feet were meant to be.

Cold sweat runs down

your cheeks, your chin,

you know you're in

for it unless you pick

up speed. Indeed,

you’re in the house.

You latch the door.

Now you can breathe.

You peek out curtains.

You expect to see a beast.

You look into the beady 

eyeballs of a

mouse.

published in Medusa's Kitchen