Bloodthirst

A shadow crawls through nighttime streets

awaiting the perfect time to strike. No sound

betrays its presence to the helpless man

who drew its eye with shuffling feet and blue

romance. A flicker of a wicked tongue

and fetid breath so hot against his neck.

His stifled cry is caught in bold fingers

and held within his fearful mouth. With glee

the wretched lips display the fierce array

of teeth. The thrumming beat that keeps

the time for every life attracts

the beast. A growl of hunger shakes the night.

The bleak regard of ancient eyes alights

along the empty street. The creature’s grasp

around his throat wraps tighter, cutting off

his breath. The terror spikes. His mind revolts

against the reality of darkness made flesh.