Nightmare

Agony and shivers
you can't escape.
Vague feelings
you can't suppress
wrought by
vivid, stark images
the dark conceals.
Too scared to close
your eyes.
In the waking hours
the delusion is
only just out of reach,
yet the weight
of fear still burdens you.
It is the prickling
you can't describe;
The brushing touch
of horrors
on your neck;
The silhouettes
in windows and mirrors
disrupting
your hearts kept time.
Lie awake
seeing shadows shudder
just beyond the door.
Close your eyes
and count to ten
to replace the dark with
one much worse.
The Sun has burned black.
Hot, thick unease falls
upon you like a blanket.
Open your eyes
just in time to scream.