Poetry 2013 Shortlist, Saptarshi Dutt

Nocturnal

This isn't real ,
It can't be,
A vagrant spirit,
Creeping with echoes,
Shadowed,

Asphyxiation
Strangulated as hernia,
Causes pain,
Risking death,
Shallow ground,

Drip drop,
Walls are melting,
Smells dank,
Hanging in the atmosphere,
Encasing frightened ears,

Being aware,
For whilst asleep,
Can you weep,
Hate the dark,
He keeps me sleeping,

Dawn shatters night's illusion,
Tension released after sleep,
In joy you awake,
Night creature released,
Cobwebs washed away!