Every sleep
Has another bad dream
From which I am roused
Feeling desperate,

Being panicked about
Seeing monsters
Some might agree
Appear real

In that theater
Of possible deaths

Accompanying screams
Between bedsheets

While sweating so much
After watching
These horrible scenes
On repeat –

Where bodies alone
Remain lifeless,

And emptier souls
Wander mansions

Our frantic brains
Keep escaping
Like fears unknown
Deep inside,

When killers set loose
Pursue meaning
Through darkened halls
Hiding demons

Laughing at prayers
Stealing promise
From each short breath
Calling God

As shadows will lunge
Even speaking
Christ’s good name
Growing doubtful

Unexpectedly lost
Despite seeking
Another way out
Besides faith.

Such terror exists
Beyond nightmares
Plaguing my thoughts
Always worried

How tomorrow’s dawn
Implies doctors
Or hospital stays
Without end –

More torture
Stalking each sleep
Like a symptom’s threat
Chasing wishes

For the peacefulness
Never experienced
Leaving behind
What is cursed.

Morning still comes
Ever hopeless,

Having lingering pain
Merely looming

Over throbbing eyes
Now defeated

By waking up sick
Once again.

• J. Pigno