Monsters

The monster grips my throat.
I gasp for air,
Try to remember how to breathe.
I know the monster isn't there.

His black claws scratching at my skin
Are from my frightened mind.
Climbing from the depths they crawl.
I know I'm running out of time.

They cackle, cackle, cackle,
Happy with the tears,
Sinister smiles carved in their faces.
They feed off of my fears.

Panicked, I try to search for air
That's not covered in black smoke.
They're doing their job to torture me.
The monsters let me choke.

Pleased with the sight of me squirming about,
Laughing, they return to the confines of my head.
I'm released from their cold, hard grasp,
But never will I escape the power of their dread.