There is a beast,

a figment of my own mind that follows me,

in my shadow in the light and the darkness at night.

In the light it only lurks,

it only lets out a warning that it is there,

to be afraid until all lights go dark.

When I'm alone it prowls around me,

When it lunges it screams until all peace leaves my mind.

Anxiety manifested.

Its horrid claws pick at my flawed skin,

its jaws close my throat together.

Choking on the thought of the previous day's events, I'm dying,

but once again I survived,

it all ends as suddenly as it begins.

I can rest in dreadful peace, knowing it is over for tonight,

but will happen again, next time I fall.