Staggered Footsteps
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One night, I'm lying in bed
gazing at a starlit sky.
And sorting wandering thoughts,
while watching the clouds drift by.
Suddenly: I'm terrified,
I sense malevolent hate.
And when my door squeaks open,
all my neck hairs stand up straight.
I heard some staggered footsteps,
made by no creature I knew.
But I'm paralyzed by fear,
and there’s nothing I can do.
Terrorized by its approach,
I prayed, God, keep it away.
For I’m awake, but can't move,
not one muscle will obey.
Something jumped onto my bed,
the weight of a cat or rat.
And frightened out of my wits,
I prayed it was just a cat.
But, then it stood on two legs,
for I felt each step it took.
And it walked up my leg,
so close, still, I couldn't look.
I thought my heart would explode,
as panic swept over me.
But then, it retraced its steps
and left, though I didn’t see.
I've heard tales of these things
though there's nothing I can prove.
But the instant it was gone,
my fear fled, and I could move.
(Quatrain)
2/21/2017
Copyright © Emile Pinet | Year Posted 2017
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