The Wolf at Joy's Door

A dark creature snarled gutturally like a nearing thunder's roar,

He pursued me down familiar lanes, past trees of yesteryear

Until I reached a neighbor’s home, my best friend’s house, a place of former joy.

It held not friend, nor furniture. It was a barren empty place.

I found but dust and memories and the ghosts of better times.

I found no haven, nor proper sanctuary as the wolf dared to enter in,

My core was shaking. My mind knew naught but terror and only my heart found courage.

Trapped, yet resolutely I turned to meet my fate.

It was no longer there.