The door cracks open, a light shines through.
Boney fingers appear and I don’t know what to do.

I’m frozen still, trembling with fright.
Been stuck in this room for more than a night.

A frail body emerges with a smell that’s grotesque,
Carrying what might be a meal at best.
“Thought you could eat.” Their voice simply implies.
Then they remove the tray’s cover and that’s what makes me cry.

Before me, a vision so vile,
Causing me to taste my own stomach bile.
My urge to erupt becomes quite clear.
“You don’t like what I made for you, my dear?”
The feeble one asks then becomes enraged.
This four wall prison feels like a cage.

“Why are you doing this?” I tearfully implore.
“Because you are my pet.” They reply while walking out the door.
The sound of locks quickly engage,
Reminding me that I am their hostage.

I begin to convulse and scream obscenities I feel,
Trembling so badly that I wake from this wretched ordeal.

It was just a dream, a nightmare, a fright
That kept me from peaceful slumber all through the night.

(Poem by Sheila Renee Parker)