118 - One New Year's Eve, at midnight, I stood still

One New Year’s Eve, at midnight, I stood still
In my back garden (I don’t have one now).
The stars were backlit by an orange glow
From thousands of street lamps below. Until
The last ten seconds, mankind was at peace;
Then, suddenly, the unleashed hounds of hell
Leapt up from darkest depth of deepest well.
Their bayings and their victims’ screams did cease
Only a few seconds after - Thank God! -
And equilibrium returned again.
Now every New Year’s Eve they ask in vain.
I’ll never venture out. I’ll keep my blood
Home safely in my veins. Satanic souls
Roam at year’s end, climbing from subterranean holes.
Sun 31 Dec 2010