The fear you often feel
Is all too dark and real,
It is utterly unlike anything else;
Penetrating all defenses and senses
Like a bullet,
Hot and vengeful.

Blankly staring with wounded sight
Wide eyed fury and fright,
The dread settles upon you shoulders;
Now you're a junkie for the monkey
On your back,
Direly obsessing and depressing.

Your every dream unfolds and fades,
Nightmares cast darkened shades,
Enveloped in terror you fall away;
Your failures you feel, never so real,
As when that fear,
That shiver ran down your spine.

© Tom Stanley