If you listen you can hear it

padding softly up and down.

Whisperpaws and fleeting shadows

just that feeling, it’s around.

 

In the space between the shadows

there is safety, there is hope.

Just slip through to where it takes you

clinging on to safety’s rope.

 

I can hear you, feel you tremble,

rugged creature of the dark,

of the sea and windy echo,

come to get me, make your mark.

 

Do I want you? Will I follow?

Am I safer here at home?

Should I pack and leave tomorrow?

Unlock padlocks, leave, alone.

 

The mousy squalor of the cottage

the mouldy presence in the hall

the cracked and tattered windowcobwebs

the broken stair where I might fall.

 

And in the kitchen there is chaos

dirty water, smelly pans.

The food has run out

I am hungry

but scared, I must stay where I am.

 

I dare not look inside the cupboard

dare not turn on the TV

in case your face is there aglimmering

always waiting, just for me.

 

The days and nights turn into spaces

full of fear, I dare not go.

Trapped inside, I feel this fever,

want it to be over, so!

 

I lift the latch and open slowly,

open slow the wooden door

I peep outside into the darkness.

Looks worse than where I’ve been before.

 

I hear the gently padding footfall

I smell the fetid wolf-like smell

I hear your breathing, full of loathing

I have to come out of my shell.

 

I step outside upon the gravel

you rush towards me - we are one.

With tearing teeth and gasping clamour

you take me to you

it is done.