Shadow Sonata

The dog next door is howling

I try to remember that he is just a puppy

and does not understand the lonesome sound

he makes in the deep night

but it is hard when I think of him alone

in the quiet apartment

making his own noises to keep away

the shadows that seem to slide under the door.

I too have my shadows

that slide through off-hand comments

and grip with a brutal grasp

leaving bruises where I used to breathe.

It's hard to breathe

thinking of you in the dark

walking some sidewalk by yourself

while I thought you are safely asleep

or at least at home, shut away from the night.

I am so afraid

that the shadows have lured you through the door

have taken you for their hungry own

and will not give you back.

The dog next door is howling

and I am crying with him.