I am the demon on your shoulder and the horror in your eye,
The carcass in your desert and the dragon in your sky,
The darkness in your bedroom and the convict doomed to die.

I am the letter in your desk and the regret within your past,
the sickness in your body and the breaking of your mast,
the call to your retreat and the life that you outlast.

I am the tension in your shoulders and the friend who’s left your sight,
the cracks in your foundation and the secret to your might,
the wrinkles in your face and your final breath tonight.

What am I?