By JM
Date: 11 December 1997

Untitled.

I awaken, refreshed from a long rest...
stretch, and finally open my eyes.
Total blackness surrounds me.
It is midnight. I outstretch my arms and
find them blocked, restrained, unable
to unfurl them, to find any relief....
My eyes cannot adjust to the lack of light.
Pulse begins to race -- arms & legs flailing 
wildly against the confines of
the small space that contains me...
I stifle a scream that barely catches in my throat.
I attempt to take deep breaths
and smell the cool, earthy scent that 
permeates the small, damp space...
I pause.  Hesitate.... hear muffled
voices above me... sobs...
I cry out and claw at the satiny material
just inches above my face.
I scream when I realize where I am and
what has happened.  A long, lonely howl that 
resonates in my ears. I sit, bolt upright...
sweating profusely... arms and legs entangled
in damp, cotton sheets.  The sun streams through
my open window.  I notice dust particles dancing
in the light beams.  Glance at the bloodied
fingertips, broken nails... and the several
dozen deep gouges in my oak headboard.