The Intruder by Michael L. Newell

Writing this I feel a chill.

I say it's the night air.  I say it's the fan.

I avoid the door.  

I'm grateful the dog sleeps and senses nothing.

I leave all the cottage lights on...

 

A creaking late at night.

I cautiously went to the door, looked out

at the darkened porch.  He stood there,

bushy-bearded, hollow-eyed, shoulder-length hair spilling

across reddened cheeks and nose, staring at me.

I started to scream -- 

then recognized my reflection.  I tried to laugh

and went to bed.

 

Sirens fill the night.  Carol shouts

in her sleep, the broom crashes

to the floor, and ants trek

across the ceiling.

 

I came here a refugee

from cities, but outside is something

I brought with me.  When I touch Carol,

she shivers and reaches for cover.

 

 

*First published in Northridge Review (Spring, 1984), in a somewhat different form.

Michael L. Newell's most recent books are Meditation of an Old Man Standing on a Bridge (2018), and Traveling without Compass or Map (2006), both from Bellowing Ark Press.