The Creeping Dread

Cover your mouth, it's seeping in  
Don't take a breath or it will win.  
The shadows creep, they claw, they bite,  
swallowing all that's left of light.  
 
A chill that whispers, laced with dread,  
It crawls beneath your skin, undead.  
It's voice is silent, yet it screams,  
haunting all your waking dreams.  
 
The air grows thick, the walls close tight,  
In darkness, there is no respite.  
For once it's in, you can't escape,  
It twists and shapes your mind to break.  
 
Your heart pounds loud, your vision blurs,  
The silence hums with twisted words.  
And when at last you dare to cry,  
It slips within---your soul, goodbye.