As your eyes lay to rest the beasts awaken

materializing in your bedroom

climbing up the bedposts

Lingering near your head

as if to spy on your dreams

and laugh at the prospect of twisting them

Suddenly, the beasts pounce in unison

clawing at your chest

seizing your cheerful visions and sanity

They dance across your ribcage

throwing off the steady beat of your heart

sending shockwaves of fear through your bones

Your mind is at the mercy of mares

gripping your imagination

until consciousness drives them out