he deals and hides in shadows

a silent, steady fear

i turn my face [it cannot be]

he’s always creeping near

the case is drawn, the line is blurred

uncertainty is real

the gradual shedding of my skin -

a terrifying peel

you never are completely sure

exactly where you stand

do you still live where you are sane

or in that other land?

you think you’re safe, you feel secure

but he is always lurking

always present, binding you,

and whispering, and smirking

for madness comes, and deals its blow

it swiftly makes you kneel

the world no longer looks the same –

frightening, surreal

you’re cast into a place where you

have started, yet are done

there’s no escaping, you are trapped

inside your world of one

the shadows whirl, the colors tip

your mind is upside down

rags to riches, golden streets

a twisted, thorny crown

for now, your heart in silence waits

there’s no room for denying

the way is barred, the door is shut

and there’s no point in crying

my life is now of questions

i do not know the hour

he’s hiding, quiet, steadily

and waiting to devour.