Peeking

It peeks with a leer, its head askew
A shadow stretched where death is due
TAP. TAP.—bare feet meet the floor
Each sound louder than before

Its hands clutch the corner's edge
Twisted fingers, a bone-white wedge
SCRAPE. DRAG.—its nails catch stone
A chilling echo, cold and alone

Closer it comes, the hallway still
The air grows thick, bending to its will
THUD.THUD.—its steps grow bold
A rhythm steady, lifeless, and cold

Its breath, a rasp, like rusted gears
A wheeze of hunger, stoked by fears
HUFF. HUFF.—it pulls in air
Each gasp a promise, a dreadful snare

The corner fades; it’s in your sight
A tangle of darkness, void of light
CLACK.SNAP.—its jaw unhinges
And with each step, the space it infringes

You freeze, you falter, you try to run
The heavy  silence says it’s won
CLICK.CLACK-going by where you sleep
Waiting again for when it can creep