the haunting voice [revised]

**Author's note: I made some much needed changes to this after reading the many helpful reviews that I received. Thank you to those who took the time to read it, and I hope you enjoy the newer version!**

I awaken sometime in the night -
Fear permeates frigidly down my spine,
Drowning the senses -
Tingling, I search...

Forgive - sister, brother,
Mother, father,
Family held dear and loved -
Let this evil not touch your hearts...

My soul calls out -
Ready to rupture nine thousand times over,
Hatred and angst boil within -
Wickedness beckons me...

"Want only what life I may offer -
Take heed, the torch burns bright
Only a while longer -
When it dies, so too do you..."

I cry out in rage -
"Nay! I am not your sanctuary,
Nor a pawn that you may control -
Your whims are not my own..."

That cruel, cruel laugh -
Echoes in my skull,
Shattering my sanity -
Betraying my instincts...

I run then -
Into the night,
Away from the coldness and laughter -
Yet it follows.

"How is it you run
From something within?"
That I may never get away
Frightens me further...

And I awaken once again -
To warmth, home,
That voice but a fading memory -
A nightmare already forgotten...

Envoked silence -
Waits patiently,
Ready -
To laugh again the next night...