Demonic Oppression

by C. Payne

It started as the beating of wings

against my window

and breath upon my ear

figures seen

but only from the corner of the eye

waking to find bites and scratches

across my arms

and running down my chest

cold rooms

in the middle of a brutal summer

It ends with eye-shine burning bright

beneath my bed

and through doors left ajar

mirrors covered

for fear of what they may show

a voice that speaks to me alone

full of dread

and reeking of spoiled meat

intrusive thoughts

from a place that god’s love can’t reach