Gaining on me in dreams,
chasing me through the dark,
contorted face distorted –
human or monstrous? Both.
Large and hunched, hulking.
Big feet thudding just behind me,
huge arms reaching to grab.
Exhaustion, terror. Any minute....
Always running, running, running.
That was the frightful thing – that pitch
of anticipation (his breath on my neck)
of sudden, final, shrieking horror.
Which never happened,
though it always felt so close.
Poor Bogeyman, are you still
out there somewhere, running,
never quite catching up? Or did I
in some unremembered moment
turn at last and embrace you,
kissing your ugly, yearning face?
Written for day 28 of April Poetry Month at 'imaginary garden with real toads': Boogeyman (called 'bogeyman' here, when I was growing up.)
Very vivid and scary, Rosemary. And with the uncertainty of dreams. Thanks and thanks for kind comment. You are almost done! K.
ReplyDeleteI liked the ending. Both can stop running. I think I remember seeing it spelled "bogeyman" as well.
ReplyDeleteI rarely dream any more, but I remember my boogeyman dreams. Glad they haven't returned.
ReplyDeleteRather intense and suspenseful.
ReplyDeletenothing quite like grappling with our fears ~
ReplyDeleteVery real portrayal here, Rosemary. It takes two to have a boogeyman, I haven't seen the boogeyman but I've seen his victim very afraid.
ReplyDelete..
Wow! You certainly switched it up at the end, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteLuv this shift
ReplyDelete"Poor Bogeyman, are you still
out there somewhere, running,"
much love...
My goodness this is intense! I didn't expect the twist at the end!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you did beat the boogeyman at last...
ReplyDeleteLove the twist too. Maybe this monster was searching for love...
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
Neat twist!
ReplyDeleteNice twist and lesson
ReplyDeleteI appreciate all the comments. I'll come clean: I think the bogeyman of my dreams was my shadow self seeking to be embraced and integrated.
ReplyDelete