Prey

In Sleep's fitful first throes
I struggle to run
Like through molasses
Here, where I often find myself
At 1, or 2
And other times
Between dropping off
And the restless thrashing
That comes after waking
From the dream that isn't a dream
I've tried to flee that familiar house
Where down the stairs that lie within
Stalks that nameless thing, terrifying
More times than I could count
Face to face with my dying
My chest tight, the fear
A crushing weight
I wake up,
Heart pounding in my ears
Knock knock knock knock...
I'm a rabbit down a rabbithole
Just in time.