Night Creatures Poem by Yiling Ding

Sometimes the empty night can get
far too overwhelming
The loneliness envelops me
devours me
turns me into its creature.
The thirst for blood
for pain
transforms me.

Suddenly I am acutely aware
of the rhythm of my heart
I dance to its mad music
and feel its pulse with
my aching teeth.
I sway and move with its melody.

My flesh is ripping as
my throat is filled
And my crimson fountains are
gushing forth into my world.
I paint my darkness with my blood.

I savor the sweet taste of life
on my lips
This warm humanity comforts me.
And the pain of my mutilation
brings me back
from my fiendish self.

I consume myself
So I can feel alive!