Behind

It’s got jaws that want to clench down on my shoulder

And pierce the artery I feel my heart beating through,

Flooding blood into my lungs until I’ve suffocated

I can’t see it as it comes from behind

I don’t know what it looks like,

I only feel the hot breath as it materializes

And the groaning roar that grows from its throat

Before the piercing teeth from its maw

Clamp down and lock shut

I can only catch its reflection in the mirror,

When it’s eyes glint for a second

And I recognize something’s there behind my reflection

Every time I look