From the Inkwell, From the Vein.....

Sometimes, life can make you feel like the king of the world. And, sometimes, life can make you feel like the bottom turtle in the indeterminable stack of terrapins that hold up the universe. Lately, it feels as if there is this infinite, gaping chasm spread out in front of me—one I can’t see the end of, one I can’t see the bottom of, one that terrifies me more than my limited vocabulary could express. I don’t know what I’ve done to put myself at the precipice. More importantly, I don’t know how to escape from said precipice. Were it as easy as turning back the way I came, I would have run backward, blindly even, without hesitation. But, the path behind me is steadily eroding away. Soon, there will be no backward path, only the abyss. Melodramatic much?   Seriously, though, I don’t know which karma fairy I stepped on, or which curse I’ve stumbled into, but I think I’ve had my fair share of bad days and troubled times--- perhaps more than my fair share. Those who know

She may not be seen, she may not be felt. No noise she makes, no breath she takes. Don't make a sound, try not to be found. She might not be there, but, she's always around.  Sleeping for years, her soul broken down. Waiting for fools, her ruined mortal tools. Seek not her form bereft and forlorn. You'll regret your regard, your spirit well worn. Your energies drained, your passions wrung out. She takes your life's light, drinks all your heart's fight. You'll find no relief, no easy release. Her not-there clutches, defy all belief. She'll hold you in sway, you think you'll survive. You'll never admit, your life is forfeit.  Stand back, my dear friend, don't let herself win. I'll walk in your stead, my life's at its cruel end.                                                                                                                                      

 Beware the Skeleton Man, he walks your path at night.  He seeks another morsel  his palate to excite.  Skeleton Man knows hunger, no feast can ease his pain.  Eating more, yet craving more, no single ounce he gains.  See the children running happy, so full of light and life.  Their souls do taste the sweetest, not bitter yet with strain and strife.  Don't let his old guise fool you, he's quicker than you think.  He may play the weak and feeble, he'll snap your will in but a wink.  He knows the way a spirit drains, and the quickest way to drink it down.  He'll sup on every breath you take, 'til your starving heart all but drowns.  Beware the Skeleton Man, he knows each and every trick.  To escape his fearsome clutches, you'll need more than just your wit.                                                                                                                              --e.a.s. demers