The queer light of sunset lit the old man’s
Face lighting his eyes with blood and fire.
The neighborhood dogs were howling in the
Distance with the old man at the front door.
He let in his neighbor and closed the door.
Breathing heavy, he nearly fell against
The wall one hand on his stomach and the
Other still grasped on the knob. The neighbor
Put an arm around him to help him to
A chair, and the hound in the corner moaned
Out a soft howl in his fitful sleep.
The old man lifted his hand from his shirt
To show a small spot of red spreading on
His button down shirt. The old man said, I
Told you about this scar the night I sat
With your wife all those years ago. I know
That you always questioned how I could know
The exact night to comfort her passing.
Tonight, I have seen the visions again.
The Barguest is coming to finish what
He started in the old grave yard in my
Youth. Will you return the favor I gave
Your wife? Sit and lend comfort, and don’t stare
Into the beast’s eyes when he breaks through the
Door. The neighborhood dogs continued to
Howl, and the old man’s dog fidgeted
And growled in his sleep. And the darkness was
Choking out all the light through window.
Risky