Depression

By MelHannie

I could feel the first pang of that sting.
I dread its repellent breathe on my neck,
Its frosty-cold fangs clutched my heart
And took root in its burgeoning shape.
The world laughs at my fears.

The sun goes down and this phantom becomes real,
Draining the very life out of me
With its gargoyle grin.
I lie, writhing under its grotesque shape.
This vermin makes me cry no longer,
Instead, a shrilling and hysterical laugh escapes,
Sounding hollow even to my hearing.

Suddenly I am old, toothless and wrinkled
And I sank into the quick sand
Of brood and self-pity.
Endless oblivion seems the only route,
Only I had to snatch it myself. It whispers.

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MelHannie is Damilola Ojo’s pen name. Damilola writes poetry and fiction.