Bloodlust

Bloodlust

by Indigo Giordana-Altu

The Leshy came for me.

His body was serpentine.

I jumped back from the sight

for fear that it would bite.

Slowly, I stepped further away.

The Leshy slithered faster to display

his determination to strike fear within.

Hurriedly I darted through the glen.

but all was in vain as the Leshy took shape.

His new form would never let me escape.

The hooves pounded in my direction.

He would not cease despite my objection.

I cowered and trembled, not wanting to know

how the next part of my story would go.

I imagined his long pale fingers gripping my head

as proceeds to tear me to shreds.

As I awaited my fate, I heard a shrill laugh.

He, now as tall as the trees, stood with staff.

He poked me with it and ordered me to run

for, if I did not, it would be no fun.

He chased me from here to there,

repeatedly shape-shifting just for the scare.

The Leshy slowed down and laughed some more

and I would never expect what he had in store.

He suddenly changed to an uncomely man.

He smiled and reached out for me to take his hand.

Like a fool I trusted his new look and tone

as he asked me if I would like to go home.

With gratitude I offered a yes

and then he tickled me to death.

To die from laughing is not a bad way to go

but his implied trip to heaven was just for show.

Like me, you may have long feared the Leshy

but beware, I am far worse, to a degree.

It is now I who is the haunter of these woods.

Unfortunately, running will do you no good.

There is no need for you to try to be brave.

In his brilliance, the Leshy turned me into a wraith.

I will take over your body and do as I must

to cure the cravings of my bloodlust.