[center][b]Needlenose's Grin[/b]
[i]My first time trying out a horror poem. Let me know what you think, if you think anything of it. The pacing is a little off in some spots, I know, but I kind of like this piece. It was fun.[/i][/center]

[hider=+]When I first met Needlenose, I was five years old. 
He sat beside me in the yard and plucked the marigolds. 
He’d tell me stories late at night; we’d play games he’d always win.
Then one day when I was six I saw Needlenose’s grin.

He showed me how to climb up trees and where Mom hid the sweets.
He taught me how to catch a fish and which stairs would not creak.
He told me what to say when Mom asked where I had been.
And every time I did it right, Needlenose would grin.

He’d shriek and scream whenever I left, but laugh when I came home.
He said he didn’t like it when I left him all alone.
On my seventh birthday, my only guest was him
He hugged me and I found comfort in Needlenose’s grin.

After I turned eight years old, Needlenose got mean.
He’d throw my toys around the room, and told me not to leave.
At nine I knew I had to do something and make him happy again.
When I asked him what I could do, Needlenose just grinned.

Everything was normal again for weeks with Needlenose.
He asked me if we’d be friends forever, and I could not say no.
One day when I was ten he asked if I would play outside with him.
He took my hand and I followed Needlenose with his grin.

He took me to the river and we played on the grassy shore.
But it only took about an hour for Needlenose to get bored.
He grabbed my hand and tugged me to the water for a swim.
I tried to but I couldn’t say no to Needlenose’s grin.

Mom and Dad came out that night, calling for me to come home.
But Needlenose wasn’t done and he wouldn’t let me go.
Every time I tried to speak he’d grab me by my chin
And slowly raise a finger to his Needlenosed grin.

I begged for him to stop the game and let my lungs breathe
But Needlenose still held me tight and silenced all my screams.
I struggled and I felt goosebumps grow sharp upon my skin.
And the last thing I remember … is Needlenose’s grin.[/hider]