Darkened corners
marauders around every turn,
odor of death
hanging confidently
like rain-filled clouds about to burst,
and the noise – 
so loud
and unruly
stirring memory only of a drunken crowd
well after the midnight hour.
The description so fitting
of a place 
to avoid vehemently – 
especially when
and
always when 
alone
and
vulnerable.
So, 
I ask myself 
again and again – 
why do I keep setting up shop 
there
in this place known as
my mind?