we release our demons
as screams and bold words
only to have them flee
to our surrounding walls;
they are ghosts crying out
in the middle of the night
forlorn for the loss of haven
within our hollow hearts
within our makeshift minds;
we can hear them scratching
like rats at the drywall
seeking exit to our room
that they might return
and embrace us with their
cold flesh and hooked hands,
but we will resist
and hide beneath covers
until the saving sun rises
sending them scuttling to corners
to await the fall of night again
or until we find the strength
to drive them out forever
with an exorcism of self-love
never to return again.