Fear

Fear is an unexpected stranger
danger on a dark night
leaping forth from a silent alley

the voice of an early morning phone call
ringing forth memories
appealing to passions
too recent to totally ignore

how easy it is to assume safety
to be lulled by everyday rhythm
the tunes of work and caring
beating you into acceptance

then suddenly there it is
menacing and glaring
the demon spectre
you thought you’d vanquished

relishing in it’s hold on you
enfolding you in it’s embrace
a face you buried and left
for dead, the dread renewed

to live again, a pattern so familiar
it’s buried in your bones
the tones of it’s tune
strike you to the core

how do you escape
this rape of your psyche
except to stand and strike back
go on the attack

beat down the impending evil
shore up your strength
with visions of a future
free from it’s shadow