I lay at peace
in happy dreams resided
aware of comfort
in a room warm and quite

to suddenly start
in mortal fear
of dark hand grabbing
and drawing me near

it pulled me hard
it’s weight eternal
it’s dark brown shape
too small to be paternal

my life in it’s hands
was worth the fight
an attack like this
in the dead of night

it made me scream
kick with all my might
with sheet wrapped
and strangling tight

I thrashed and screamed
and trusted only myself
nothing else could save me
from this psychic elf

it was it or me
I was determined to prevail
I cursed its gloom
it’s morbid wail

I felt no fear
I held my ground
until it realised me
and slipped and slithered
far beneath me

my breath returned
I came into this place
and checked each corner
and crack without haste

and beneath each sheet
I peered and scanned
to find this shapeshifter
had fled this land

this demon who visits
from time to time
I have become accustomed to
fighting with this power of mine

I don’t welcome him
I don’t decline
but I do know
I am ready
for the next time