My obsessions
Are carried in dreams
Which have turned each night
Ever sleepless

Always wrestling fear
So intangible
Until thoughts obscured
Make it real

Like an unknown threat
Meant to punish
What secluded beliefs
Force their entry

When breaking down doors
Barely noticed
Until jostling locks
Disturb rest

Alone at home
Slowly gasping
And gagging on spit
During slumber

Though silently choked
Where decaying
Inside this mind
Feeling chased

By scissors with strands
Stuck between them
Or another bad day
Looking hideous

Despite that attempt
For perfection
Still never achieved
While awake

Though ridiculous
As I may seem
Pursued once more
Fleeing mirrors

Absurdly caught
Always staring
Pretending relief
May invade

But caring so much
Things superfluous
Just manifest pain
More indignant

Than nervousness
Twisting perceptions
Become terrors explored
Losing choice.

• J. Pigno