I am a dreamer. Whenever I sleep and be it for an hour or five, I dream. I suppose I should clarify that the dreams I have are NEVER pleasant ones. There is always pain, sadness, horror, or extreme melancholy attached to the vivid dreams. And I recall these dreams when I awaken. The feelings the particularly nightmarish ones bring to me often linger throughout the day.
I know when my dreams turned to this type. I know why they did. I do not know why they continue to chase me. Maybe I do not want to know.
This is my poem about these dreams.
Dance of the Demons
He stood beside the bed ever watchful
Her head lay comfortably on the pillow
Silken strands of hair splayed onto the bed
Sleep had overtaken her quickly for once
And in repose, her features had softened
The perfect portrait of contented slumber
Deception had again presented itself to him
The vile torments of her dreams were alive
Clawing at her mind relentlessly and painfully
The never-ending assault of unknown demons
Carrying on in glee at the distress they caused
Agonizing her when peacefulness was her wish
His brow grew furrowed as he moved closer
Her breathing was becoming more irregular
The slender fingers tightly grasping the sheet
That tranquil appearance on her face dashed
Replaced by twisted grimaces of raw despair
Agitation was palpable in the dark of the room
The phantasms continued their cruel shredding
Ripping into her brain with wild abandon
Planting the seeds of doubt and hopelessness
Perversely relishing the molestation of her reason
Thriving in the place they could not be touched
Their home without any rules or restraints
She clutched at the false safety of her covers
Trembling and gasping for much-needed air
In the cloudy realm between sleep and awake
Tears flowed in steady streams from clenched eyes
Hearing the drumming beat of a frightened heart
Watching a replay of the haunting images
He pulled her into the harbor of his strong arms
Providing solace and warmth to ease her anguish
Ever questioning the contents of her nightmares
Knowing the powerful havoc they wreak on her
The weight of the nitely occurrences she carries
And always aware of her determination to endure
Nikki
