Lights Out with No Good-Night

Anything can happen in a flash.

In a flash, a vibrant home becomes a hollow tomb.

In a flash, a lively family becomes three distant strangers.

In a flash, a happy man is on the ground surrounded by a pool of crimson blood.

In a flash, a loving dog is stuffed in the mailbox, fur and skin bursting out of the cracks.

In a flash, an adoring wife and mother falls to her knees, crying over the body impaled in a van.

In a flash, an obedient daughter slides her knife a little deeper, never letting the scar close.

In a flash, an unnoticed son can crack.

Screams at the top of his lungs. Jumps in the seat. Ignores the brake.

Police cars come, speed lightning fast. But, to no avail.

For the life has passed.

And, it all happened.

In a flash.

Washed Away

You're a drifter. Drifting along in the sea of your unconsciousness. You only see the surface, to afraid to delve into deeper waters. The truth lies as a unknown creature. Perhaps friendly, perhaps death.

So, you just float. No inner tube. No noodles. Just lay floating. Face up to the world. Bare back to the chilling touch of the waters.

Be careful of depth perception. Don't let the unknown drag you under. Don't let your unconscious consume you. It is a tricky thing. The temptations. The wonderment.

But, it's all for a trap. A trap you can't escape. Lost and confused. What is real? What is...a dream? Left screaming for the surface. Only glimpses come. The watery reflection. Distorted.

You can't quite break through. The creatures tease and taunt you. Mock you. All you can do is take it. You're trapped. Crying in the cage they lock you in.

Gone. Gone forever and a day. No one can reach you. The strong seem to approach you, but even they can't release you. They can't hear your cries. Your screams. A film that mutes your voice. Deafens your ears. Clouds your eyes. Only the cruel laughter.

It drags you down. Further and further. No longer can you see the faint rays. Pitch black. Cold. Glowing eyes surround you. The cage is closing in. Smaller and smaller. Hunger all around.

Growls escape their lips. Impatience. Die they say. Let us consume you. Let us destroy you. How can you refuse? You can go no where. Safety is long gone. Far away. You want to resist. But, you know it is to no avail.

They crouch closer, feeling you give in. The cage bends, creaks, stabs into your skin. Oozing blood pours out. They go after your head. One last agonizing cry slips through, and they pour in.

An ice cold splash of water smacks you in the face. A wave. The ocean. The sun beats down on you as you float on your back. The sea beneath you. A dream. Perhaps. But, the tingling sensation tickles your back. And, you swear you heard laughter.

Not today. It's not time today. They tempt you more, but they know it's not today. Because your a drifter. Afraid of the deeper waters. Always have your back to the sea. For now you say. Your day will come. Tomorrow maybe. The day after, sure. But, not today. Not today.