The Dark Steed

Red eyes, a coat as black as coal.

The pounding of its hooves plagues my nightmares. I wake up screaming, sure that it's upon me, ready to trample me.

I can't share my fears. I can't tell anyone what I've been dreaming. Then they'd know the truth. They'd know of my guilt.

I didn't mean for the boy to drown, but my lack of courage caused it all the same. I didn't move a muscle when I saw that dark steed loom out of the water. It wanted him.

And I did nothing.

So I hear its hooves. Every night.