Depression, Terror of Night
Alone except for the terror of night, The loneliness, fear and raging fright; Hiding, feeling such dreadful despair, Misty, hideous monsters fill the air. Still and silent, afraid to call out, The shadows within are moving about. My pounding heart the only sound Crying, praying that I won't be found. The screeching demons around me sail Wanting to drag my soul to hell. Screaming, wind swirling as they fly; Not wanting to live, I'm afraid to die. Shaking the walls and rattling the door Dust and debris from ceiling to floor. Terrified, petrified, cowering in bed Pain, blood vessels pounding in my head. Evil spirits heaving and seething; Tense, smothering, I'm hardly breathing. Choking, coughing, with lungs compressed Sharp shooting pains within my chest. Perspiring profusesly, looking all about; Escape? Are there more inside or out? Trapped, doomed, such awful demise, Trembling, blinded by tears in my eyes. Hysteria, confusion, impending doom, Smoky clouds of despair fill the room. Hopeless, nauseous feeling of dread Knowing that so soon I will be dead. Hot, searing wind, a swirling gust, Death Angel enters amidst fire and dust. Red eyes afire with a piercing glow, Long black wings flapping to and fro. Dozens of howling demons darting about So anxious to end my life no doubt. Praying for mercy, repenting my sins When suddenly the final assault begins. If only I had just one more day... Why does it have to end this way? Come quickly now I pray for death. With peaceful relief I take my last breath. Then, I awake in mornings gleaming light In fear I'll relive that death again tonight.
Steven A. Green
Hopefully, you have never felt the terror of severe depression. If not, the poem can give you insight on how a family member, a friend or colleague may feel. If someone you know is facing difficult situations, you may want to reach out to them. Let them know you care. Offer encouragement and offer hope. Many times, depression and the situations that contribute to it are temporary. There is a way out. There is a way forward. There is hope.
You may want to read the previous post. You may want to share that post and the poem titled What Now?