Midnight Encounter

A warm fall evening, walk through the park
 cool breeze; brief yet lingering
 the scent of roses, an old oak, car fumes, a hot dog cart,
 and autumn air a pause...take a deep breath

 hair begins to prickle, cars are getting hot, eyes are wide
 a full realization !
 Walking quicker, wind picks up, pulling the coat tighter
 whirlwinds of leaves once dead on the ground...alive and fierce !

 Cobblestone streets; hollow footsteps; echoing
 pick up the pace, losing space, unusual turn, quicker perhaps
 chattering teeth, clenched fists
 silent prayers muttered under ragged breaths

 Limpid eyes, staring...probing; marble flesh, cold as stone
 wicked smile, glittering teeth
 quick tight embrace...melted surrender, hot breath, sudden pierce
 blood flowing...quickly dying

 reminisce, as one, of days gone by
 blessed darkness, beckoning forth, closing in...
 Jolt up...look around; where's my teddy bear ?
 Another nightmare !!!