Be wary at night

The shadows grew long, the night grew dark.
A perfect time, she said, for a walk in the park.
My feet stood still, frozen to the ground. 
Something unreal, I felt, waited just around
The park gate. Sturdy, iron, and real.
But to my lusts and loves she did appeal.
She strode forward, her hips swayed
The tightness of dress promises made.

And I was weak. I was wretched, I was vain.
To think that such a woman would scream my name
In ecstasy and lust. A fly buzzing by
Landed on a pitcher. Sweet smell. Same lie.

So through the park I followed her gait,
Thinking it better than what in my home did wait.
Loneliness and alienation hung on my door, a wreath.
I didn’t know the answer to my prayers would have teeth.

Mists drew in as we crossed the park threshold. 
Reality was leaving us, for I had been tolled
By some unseen troll, grinning and hungry.
My rage, my self-sorrow called out, and she answered me.

Her bones cracked, her skin split. Her face drew tight.
A formless, featureless mass looked at me with no spite.
But hunger, hunger I felt on that shapeless blank,
Hunger for my sins, my woes, for them, she thanked
Me as she drew near. 
I fled. I fled in fear.

My legs were pistons. My heart engine. 
The gate rushed towards me, closing me in.
Would I make it? Did I make it? I don’t know. All went dark.
But I ask you, beg you. Follow me into the park.