A stroll through the park (at night, alone...)

The fitful flicker of the park's path-light
Had just enough a glow to grant me sight;
That night I wandered, drowned in seas of thought
Amidst the trees; feet light, but heart so fraught

The bushes muttered then, and I
Had glanced behind, alarmed.
"Tis but a squirrel," methinks, "Why,
It can do me no harm."

I shivered then, in fear and great unease
For movement in the shadows did not cease;
"Show yourself!" I yelled above my heart
And from the darkness did a form depart.

His dark frame towered then, and I
gazed up at him in awe.
"Who are you, Stranger?" I inquired,
"O, tell me, I implore."

He merely took my hand in his and bowed.
He kissed my knuckles, then rose without sound;
"Names," said he, "are not of much effect.
I am a stranger, and I'll be one yet."

His words, I found, were true, and I
Felt some urge to converse.
Perhaps he'd sensed this by his eye
For then we traded words.

We found a bench and talked the night away,
He was so bright, so charming, poised, blasé;
"We can't be strangers," said I. "It can't be!"
"You're not a stranger," he laughed. "Not to me."

I stopped my breathing then, and I
Had asked him what he meant.
He said "I've watched you for some time;
I know you very well."

I thought to run away, but I could not;
I wouldn't stand a chance if I had fought.
"Quite right," he purred. "It's best just to obey.
I am the Devil, after all, so do stay.

Worry not, my pet," he said,
"I'm certain you'll be fine.
I could have killed you, see? Instead,
I choose to make you mine."