I Burn
At night.
In the dark.
With my eyes closed tight, I feel its breath consume me.
The flesh melts from my bones.
My hair chars and turns to ash.
My blood boils.
And I scream. I scream.
In fury and in pain.
I strike the beast down as it does me.
We both fall in flame.
And when I wake it is over. Long over.
My skin is slick with sweat.
Unmarred.
My hair is tangled, stuck to my face and neck.
I take deep breaths to slow my heart.
I am alive. I am whole.
I suffer no pain but the memory.