Startled

incessant pounding
a deep, hollow sound
like a mallet striking ground
thump, thump, thump
the earth pulverised
soil scatters as
seismic energy radiates
each strike the epicentre
bang, bang, bang
my heart pulsates, joining
in synchronicity with the beat
each jolting blow
bringing me to consciousness
startled, eyes wide
I wake, my breath shudders
shivering as sweat prickles my skin
awareness filters through my mind
just a dream… I’m safe
it was just a dream

copyright © 2018 Karen Horsley