That Thing with Claws

It has red eyes,
and fur.
I didn't expect the fur
but sometimes I like to run
my fingers through it
and listen to an approximation of purring.

It has claws,
and teeth set in a nightmare smile.
Jagged and yellow
and so sharp when they dig into flesh,
burrowing deep.

It comes,
with no warning.
Pounding, growling
demanding to be let it in.

Other times, I offer an invitation,
throwing the door wide open
with my own nightmare smile.
And it feeds
until it is fat with my blood.



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