Shadows Poem by Chukwuemeka Ezeamalu

Shadows!
Figures!
Nightmares!
Succubus!
I am the ruthless venom you mustn't dare
And too old the bottle that kept me unwasted.
My youth ice-mind had long melted out, gone!
Those nights I beg for slumber, but wished the dawn
Makes haste and waste the night's ghosts
That your brute hands painted with terror, fright!

Shadows!
Figures!
Nightmares!
Succubus!
If thou must come, bring me something new, to learn!
Mastered I your tricks as chameleon on camouflage
I traded my fear for wits life has set for my purpose
No more cowed by the sounding breath you cast
This body I wear embraces its fate as mortal being
And when my time—light drops into void, I'll rest!

Shadows!
Figures!
Nightmares!
Succubus!
You shook and inflicted rough edges and cracks
On the temple where the guardian angels protect
Your own hand thou must now tend to its wounds,
As for the scare on my neck, it's a trophy esteemed
Brave mark that depicts fierce fight we had fought,
My victory is your defeat and your defeat is my pride.