in this darkness shards of light
intrude into a lifeless night
birthing shadows shallow; still
that die beneath my window sill

extracting truth from horrid lies
and giving life to all that dies
to things that hide beneath my bed
and whisper words into my head

taunting, teasing breathy threats
reminding me of my regrets
with unrelenting anecdotes
of insincere unfinished notes

of failed attempts at suicide
and scars of shame I will not hide-
mementos of a "better" day
and memories of the "easy way"

they chase me while I'm chasing sleep
and counting decomposing sheep
they bless me while I try to rest
with images I can't digest

and though I know that I should fear
the demons speaking in my ear
I relish in this dark accord
for in the shadows, I'm their Lord