• Cowering gold pigtails shudder
    From sallow skin spread too thin
    And dead, hollow steps

    Devil-eyes that Hunt
    above insect-brimming teeth.

    Loud pounding fills her ears…

    Wide-eyed she Hides in closets
    Under the low bed
    Squeezes behind the washer, the dryer, the t.v.
    Crawls behind pots and pans inside of cabinets…

    She imagines their Dark corners are never-ending
    And they Protect her.

    She wants to run, but he’d Relish that.

    Hidden, she stands a chance
    Maybe they’ll come home…

    Before he finds her
    Breaks her flesh….

    He shoves her soul Beneath the Sheets
    She cannot feel her limbs

    She lies frozen as he works,

    Until returning to the day like a zombie.

    In the yard, she shovels her mind
    Beneath ash and dirt –
    Asylum for Next time.