Alana Tatem

I shattered all the mirrors in the house

I got rid of all the spoons

So that I can’t be haunted by

the concave and convex reminders.

I listen to all the music in the house

So the threatening voice can’t talk to me.

I play hide-and-go seek in the dark

So the animal can’t find me

Plagued by heavy breathing,

I attempt to hold my breath forever

I await the dreadful showers

Every year they fill the yard hole up

Crafting me a personal dark pond

I stare at the dark watery surface

I see the beast reflecting back at me

I reach down

Claw and finger creating ripples on the surface

Growl and grin baring itself at the same time

Hands weave through our hairs as our tears fall into the parallel

universe