There are eyes
Which stare
From a distance
Outside this dream
Caught in winter

Letting snow
Fall down
Through its darkness
Where predators
Stalk what is seen

At the window
Waiting for lights
Like my nightmare
Cold
But deceiving

Since candles glow
Rather brightly
Feigning warmth
With fear
Close behind

As dangerous grins
Show their teeth
Almost sure
That house
Has no exits

Or meaning
Sealed
Under doorways
Once an entrance
Locked yet again

Nailing planks
Along every seam
Blocking chimneys
Filled
Leaving fires

During evenings
Smoke
Has more purpose
Than dinner
Alone and afraid

Believing beasts
Never end
While hungry
Still
Needing purpose

Among those woods
Being threatened
Between shelter
Lost
And disturbed.

• J. Pigno