Black Dog Poem by Della Perry

The Black Dog has been with me today
Following, stalking, growling
I am terrified, so tired
To crawl into a fetal position
Bury myself, hide
Would be such relief.
Grief kills me everyday
Tortures, I die each time
Each rhyme, just a little more.
I thought I was rid
Lost in the maze
Put up my high hedges for walls
Escaped it's wrath
I haven't, I had hope you see
I fooled myself.
It has been sneaking up slowly
So quietly I had no idea
And today it pounced
Sank sharp canines into my neck
Bit down hard, ripped my flesh
Left me for dead.
I cried today,
I sliced today
A little piece chipped away today.
I will never be free
I know that now
I finally understand
But I refuse to accept it.