Darkness engulfs the trees around me
Swallowing anything unfortunate enough to cross its path.

The cold air stabs my lungs,
the wind burning cold tears into my eyes.

I hear the scratching of the claws.

I feel the beady red eyes staring
planning when my time is over.

Flowers sink into the ground to survive,
the world deprived of color and life.

Branches scratch at my skin to try to slow me down.

The moon cowers behind the clouds in fear.

Please! I need light!

It creeps in closer, whispering into my ear:
“There’s nowhere else to go.”

Its damned grin reflects my fate.

I crush rocks under my feet as I run,
pops and cracks ringing in my ears.

“There’s nothing else to do.”

I am slowing down, the wind shoving me into the darkness.

It sticks out it’s claws, eagerly welcoming me.

I can’t go yet! You cannot take me!

I feel a savior in my pocket.

Thank you.

I flip open my lighter, the darkness dissolving to the line of the trees.

There are tall trees towering over me, timid flowers add an elegant touch.

Where were you before?

Darkness is farther away, its stare colder than a night on the moon.

It snarls.

“There’s no escape from me.”

Through gasps and sobs I smile.

That’s what you think.

I drop the lighter, the flames attracted to the parched grass.

I feel the heat of my new found freedom bite at my feet. 

The flowers are gone again.