When darkness crawls to me
He calls my name
And whispers in my ear,
“Come away with me.”
His arms outstretched
His eyes inviting
His hand holding mine

A step and another
And another and another –
A shout.
I falter and look back
He takes my face
He looks at me
And smiles

A step and another
Into a garden
Of silver, of gold, of diamonds –
A shout.
I falter, I stop
His hand on my back
“I will save you,” he says.

A step and another
Chill air on my face
Cold, cold hands
Grabbing at me
Nails scratching my skin
A step and another
I fall

By Kathleen Lastimosa

Paper Doll Writes