Nightmare

Wherein dost that shadow creeping
Hide the things while I've been sleeping
From the darkness of the mind
Slip hideous torments maligned
Terror shaped by unseen dread
A multitude of horrors bred
Creeping from that darkened veil
Upon which no wakening eye may dwell
To cruelly draw a cloak of fear
That lovingly fosters every tear
Scritching and scratching upon the floor
From the closet, behind the door
Drawing ever closer still
Up the back a rising chill
A tug upon the covers felt
A rap upon the bedpost faint
Another blow that fear has dealt
Deepens the stain of terrors taint
The cover close upon me lays
A ward against their searching gaze
From without a horrid breath
Closer still creeps certain death
Each held breath a scream suppressed
Thoroughly by fear possessed
Reason pleads there's nothing there
A wicked wind flutters through my hair
And from out my well of fear
Wicked hands of doom appear
To seize my heart, beating ever faster
They feast upon despair and disaster
They feast! and Feast! And Feast! AND FEAST!
And what they harm, they care the least!
A cry goes out, a plea is heard
Quickened steps, a questioned word
An opened door, the bedroom lamp
From my heart, fears' grip unclamped
A gentle hand, the comforting light
Seals away a night of fright