The Rake

Damned hyena
Stalks the floorboards.
Mumbled menace,
Closets, cupboards.

Giddy swagger,
Grizzled charm.
Cloak and dagger,
Four alarm.

What’s his want?
Who’s he after?
Calls and taunts
Within the plaster.

Undercover,
I perspire.
Shifting, shriek
The willing wire.

Slobber trails
Lurk the hall.
Slop and slather.
Wounded gather

Wringing, working,
Scratching, lurking
Rounds the corner,
Eye to eye.

Asks to answer
In reply.
Mangle closer,
Terrify.

Gagging breath,
Garbled lungs.
Stench of death,
Hanging tongue.

Rot endeavor.
What’s your pleasure?
Now or never.
Pull the lever.


Often wake
From such disturbance.
Shiver, shake
The Rake occurrence


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