“Ominosity”

Ominosity

Menacing tentacles wave
plotting to suck the life out of me
I back up
not wanting to be found
but I am cornered
and my thoughts have no door.

………

Note from the poet: There was a season of my life when I was all too familiar with this feeling. Thankfully it is behind me now - but the memory is clear. If you find yourself in a relationship where you can relate to this poem, please don’t keep it to yourself. Much as it can feel risky to say what’s really happening, you do not deserve to be this frightened. No one does. Reach out and tell a safe person. You are worth protecting.

©2026 Wendy Lew Toda
Published in Door Is A Jar literary magazine, Fall 2026 Issue 40

Image: Zhou Cheng, for Unsplash