Heartbeat
Hammering in time
To feet pounding on
Empty streets
A fearful glance over a shoulder
Lungs burn
Legs ache
Cannot stop
Not safe yet

Turn a corner and
Lean on a wall
To catch a second wind
Hacking thickened spittle
Out of a throat
Raw from screaming into
The unending, deaf night
Hand on chest, feel
The staccato rhythm, before
Turning to walk home.

Surprise as a flash of light
Made solid
Slides into supple flesh
Screams are silenced as
Legs collapse.
The scent of life fills the air.
Shivering in cold confusion
Why?
Darkness nibbles the vision away
Until all is covered.

Hungry eyes watch as
Life pools on the concrete
Then the fun begins
Hacking, tearing
Ripping
Into pieces.
Darkness stands.
Wipes the blade clean
Walks away, whistling a merry tune

It was fun, my dear.
We must do it again.