I see you, friend, in the shadows, Lost in the darkness of this room, Fading into a nondescript wallpaper, And refusing to call for help, Afraid you should be mistaken for an Apparition. I see you, though I must spread my pupils wide To paint your silhouette, To trace the liniments of your extremities. I know you are there because my eyes Can make out the aura of your figure, And though you may shield Your gruesome face, With the help of your gnarled claws, I can, with this canvas of a room - In the infinite darkness of each corner and wall - Design in my mind the echoes of A sweet child, Whose skin finds no blemish, Whose hands show no wrinkles, Whose teeth bare no stains... So long as you whisper to me, I shall not see a ghost, Nor some feral fiend, I see only you, friend.