Smoke Scream

Smoke swirls around me like a mist
invading the very core of my being
conjuring visions of a yesterday
that is best left forgotten, buried
Nightmare images of trolls and orcs
run through my mind, rampant, amok
tearing at the thin fabric of reality
and showing me the lunacy that lies beyond
I rise to my feet, too quickly, cough
grab the table for support, shaking
Then I take my daughter's hand and flee
out into the night, a scream half suppressed
forcing its way past my vocal chords
burning my throat raw with its power
and finally bursting out from between my lips
:silence: