The Night Had Gone Awry

There was a painting offered as inspiration for this contest. I'm sorry I'm not able to include it for lack of a premium membership, but I hope I've managed, just a little, to set the scene with imagery. Moonlight was diffused by a shadowed sky Thunder hammered with the power of Thor Sullen clouds released a deluge in downpour Something about the night had gone awry There was a flash of lightning; a blaring scream With heart wrenching sobs, a woman wept Her raven tresses billowed, wild and windswept She appeared before me as a specter in a dream I hesitated to call out, in fear she'd run away but I could not ignore another mournful wail Her arms were thin and she was ghostly pale She shivered, trembled, and began to sway She was frightened as though chased by death Words were mumbled, but none of them clear Her eyes searched the night, panicked with fear I spoke calmly until she regained her breath Her last memory was that she had gone to bed and was having a nightmare about being stalked Quite a distance from her home, she had walked when lightning's crackle woke her from dread I helped her home, sidestepping puddles of mud She still trembled, not interested in conversation She thanked me, but I had a moment of hesitation... The porch light revealed she was covered in blood August 6, 2020 Be Inspired Poetry Contest Sponsored by Regina McIntosh