Naked fear

At night when all is quiet,
she lays still, almost dead.
But inside the silent form,
a storm rages, nearing dread.

Covering blankets like a shroud,
her breath fading slowly from her lips,
the silent kiss of warm air,
is taken with her consciousness.

The sleeper opens her eyes.

And there is a hint of fear,
a scent in the air she sniffs,
howls at the cold moon sky,
she is alone in the dark.

It is the dark side of men,
when only fear reigns,
and instinct takes over,
thoughts incoherent, non existent.

The frightened animal whispers,
the words frozen on her breath,
I am alone, so alone and so afraid,
Despair clings at her like a vice.

Choking her, overwhelming,
like a rapist of her mind,
it breaks down all defenses,
strips off every covering,
until there is nothing left,
but naked fear.

2005