Who am I you ask?
Why do I play with you so?

You court me
in movies, in theme parks,
where I deliver
the darkside of pleasure.
You dread
my shadow's slow approach,
but I teach you to value
all trinkets and treasure.

I am born anew,
living in moments,
concieved by trauma,
in the inner most soul.
Few manage to escape
the hand that withers,
or the teeth of  dark Fantasy's
wave-crashed shoal. 

I am the tempest.
That tests the course set
past the rending reefs
of phantom distraction.
They who survive me
are wise enough to cling
to faith and love
when all is uncertain.

I bring you close to life
by bringing you next to death.
I teach you weakness,
but can lead you to strength.
I teach you to keep
the light at hand,
your loved ones near.
Who am I?

I am Fear.