Lovers and madmen alike;
marionettes screaming loud
with deafening fury.

The puppet-master
standing alone, trembles
like a child.

Fearing the nightly terror,
the strings he once tugged,
now choking him tightly.

Painted smiles and eyes
somehow twisted murderously;
grins and hateful stares.

All around, the haunting tones
familiar merry-go-round music,
shrieking in his ears.

Evil wooden hands,
clowns reach out, tearing
and laughing wickedly.

My brain begs to awaken
but my heart can't go on beating
in this bad dream.