The Winter Inside Us

It is not enough to eliminate fear. Certain nights teach a more all-encompassing terror and hide Sharp metals, evil-natured monsters, Deep chasms and naturally the very ghosts of the day. Not that sinister animals were expendable, Or medieval instruments of torture, Or even the words in the deep voice of a terrible oracle. But the chill of dead hours is enough for us. And the unsympathetic laughter of those who wish us harm. We walk indecisively on this dark path, The moon hides from our cowardice, The dog's howl is a signal that freezes us, And no door opens when it's winter inside us.