It creeps out at night and
lurks around the corners of your dreams.

It is the reason you cannot sleep.

It jumps around the gaps in your brain.
It slithers and writhes through the folds.

It is the reason you question everything.

It screams until you can think no more.
It causes you to pace instead of being in bed.

It is the reason your shoes have lost their tread.

It nags you to run and not look back.
It tugs on your sleeve in worry.

It is the reason you believe in dangers you cannot perceive.

It clenches your stomach and causes it to bind.
It is the slug forming a lump in your throat.

It is the reason you don't say words, but choke.