A Bite

Staggered breath breaking the musty air,
Heather gray cheeks and blood satin lips,
An askew jawline hanging by ragged threads—

Here they come.

Sadistic trances as they approach—
You can just see the reds of their eyes—
Embarking on purposeless missions,
They're flooding the neighborhood streets.

Quick!
Close the windows and lock all the locks!
Hide away in the silent shadows,
And like a bat out of hell,
Muffle your damn screams!

CRASH! And a thump, thump, thump.

Don't panic—it's not alive.
Don't panic—it can't see you.
Don't panic—it's going for your son.

It's left the room now;
Hold your breath and lighten your steps,
Collect a weapon with your sweaty hands
And trail the rancid beast.

Down the hall,
And then to the right—

Rickety fingers stretched out above the crib,
Mouth watering for fresh flesh,
Humanity lost in shreds of rotting sanity.

Wham with the sleek silver baseball bat,
And watch it stagger.

Grab up the child,
Who's scared well stiff,
Step on the gas,
Escape into the apocalypse.

Breathe a sigh of relief,
Hold the boy close and tight.
I'll love you no matter what,
Even when he gives a little, hungry—

Bite.