Where the moon peaks, its silver beams slither through the cottage blinds, bound to old roots deep in the woods.

Such comfort does not last long. It is fleeting, teasing one into bed for slumber.

On this dreary night of October, the clouds roar and swell, enveloping the moon and ridding it of its radiance.

Disrupting a silence, a peace of forsaken tranquility.

Where the walls were no longer quiet....

I can’t breathe.

My pipe rattles and bellows,

a melody I cannot control.

Wrangling and strangling as I seethe.

Thrashing, my body shakes, shivers,

recoils, and quivers.

Lips parting, encircling

a scream threatening to fly.

A battle inside, tainting my soul,

tarnishing my whole.

I can’t breathe.

Bones rigid, mind chittering,

accompanied by strenuous tittering.

Clawing, gnawing, my sheath.

I...