The Beast that Stares Back

"Hopeless" is the thing with fangs-

That stalks one in the night-

And hums a heavy tune-

Waiting for the chance to strike-

And terror- by the beast-- is found-

And how unfortunate must be those-

That fight within the dying light

Against that which defiance grows-

I've heard its horrid whispers-

But from them I can never flee-

And in the glaring mirror, I swear,

I can see it staring back at me.

In honor of Emily Dickinson.