algorithm.

in the strangling moments before waking 

I have been hunted by the shadows

whispering beside the bed

premonitions borrowed 

until my eyes adjusted to the light

with a pencil I have drawn pain

in the eyes of others

she who could see through you 

while I erased the darkness

defining our contrast

I have stared down loneliness 

peering out from the corners 

I have stood close beside you 

smothered and alone 

I have walked a path

tracing the terrible ascent 

from beneath the foundation 

I have retraced our steps,

finding a way back to sunlight

before waking to a blackened ceiling 

why could you not hear me

over the whispers of shadows

you writhed in the moments before waking

my warmth was out of reach 

while you were hiding from the sun

© 1.24.2016 heather brager