A warm fall evening, walk through the park
cool breeze; brief yet lingering
the scent of roses, an old oak, car fumes, a hot dog cart,
and autumn air a pause...take a deep breath

hair begins to prickle, cars are getting hot, eyes are wide
a full realization !
Walking quicker, wind picks up, pulling the coat tighter
whirlwinds of leaves once dead on the ground...alive and fierce !

Cobblestone streets; hollow footsteps; echoing
pick up the pace, losing space, unusual turn, quicker perhaps
chattering teeth, clenched fists
silent prayers muttered under ragged breaths

Limpid eyes, staring...probing; marble flesh, cold as stone
wicked smile, glittering teeth
quick tight embrace...melted surrender, hot breath, sudden pierce
blood flowing...quickly dying

reminisce, as one, of days gone by
blessed darkness, beckoning forth, closing in...
Jolt up...look around; where's my teddy bear ?
Another nightmare !!!