Nightmare

After visiting Mum,
A sudden chill took my breath -
And overhead the cloud
Boiled black. Day banished.
Then, from each grave
There came a foul rush of air,
A point of light expanding...
Growing limbs and features
Until a forest of ghosts
Bristled there, floating
One foot above their rest.
Shock and hunger made them fearful -
How they longed for warmth and life...
Craved flesh and form and family.
I held my breath.
But as one they turned,
Looked down at me
And came, drifted over, arms outstretched
To sap the soul and life from me,
While, frozen, I could not move...

I woke, cold and stiff
In the graveyard on the bench.
Recalled the nightmare,
Smiled and made to leave...
Until a sudden chill took my breath
And the sky boiled black.