The Hallway

It stretches out in front of me,
Cold, dark,
Waiting to envelop me.
It represents everything I hate to be,
Hollow, alone,
Trapped and not free.

I quicken my pace and stare ahead,
Walls, pipes,
My footsteps are dead.
The silence is louder than any scream,
Piercing, dominating,
Worse than a dream.

My heart quickens with each step,
Louder, faster,
Focus on each step.
Cannot fight the feelings of dread,
Swarming, controlling,
Owning my head.

I finally reach the end of the pathway,
Bright, inviting,
The next hallway.
A new place for me to explore,
Curious, open,
Right through the door.