Black Dog

Dark rain drips from her jowls;

every time I dare a smile

she raises her hackles and howls.

Everyday it tears around like a stray,

but I'm just keeping the black dog at bay.

I can't ignore her lovely skull

with the flowers on,

more lovely still because

all the skin has gone. 

In my cave, each night,

she barks inside.

But I'm just keeping the black dog at bay. 

Give me your penknife, your skillet, your needle - 

it's about time I drove this Cujo out.

I taste her rabies 

and I'm foaming at the mouth.

I'm having trouble keeping this wolf down.

I swiped her with my cat claw

and I hissed a little, and I swore;

but I'm wired and wakeful

all over again

as the bitch nibbles away at my brain.

The pills they prescribe me,

they don't work;

and the straps to restrain me

only make the inner-dog smirk.

She's within and without, 

and my flesh is her feast.

And I just can't kill the beast.

                                      - Nina x