Something roused him from his slumber

upon waking he lay still listening

the heat pump fan he could recall

the clock ticking on the wall,

the dripping tap just down the hall

in his head he heard them all

while wishing for the Sandman's call

again it came, emptying sleepy head

much clearer now and not misread

on silent feet he rose from bed

and filtering house sounds from his head

he approached the door with measured tread

On the landing the light was weak

and he rubbed his eyes to clear his vision

the sight he beheld left him weak

he opened his mouth but could not speak

as he felt the cruelty of the moment wreak

in his chest his heart turn bleak

and a salty tear rolled down his cheek

there was nothing he could do but stare

upon the misty aura in the air

as it descended stair by stair

filling him with cold despair

he had to follow forgoing care

Outside the house under an ebon sky

it seemed to hover... taunting

he cried aloud, "I won't concede!"

and unable to contain his need

held desperate arms outstretched to plead

but emotions spent, all mutinied

with a final tax on effort levied

the apparition raised up to the sky

he raised his head and watched it fly

as his heart commenced to calcify

and knowing what it felt to die

with molten tears he began to cry

He woke again with a nervous start

and reached across the sodden sheets

the warmth of skin beneath the gown

allowed the nightmare dreams to drown

and with a sigh he lay back down

letting his rampant brain shutdown

allowing a thankful smile replace his frown