Fighting depression

There is a black dog barking at me
Snarling viciously behind my back
Hunting me, wishing me within its jaws; leg-locked.
It is slavering, straining, struggling and
tugging at light chains
and in its eyes are reflected the madnesses I fear.

Stare back and hypnotise,
stare back and exorcise
shuffle over and stroke the pet
better yet - poisoned meat
and we shall eat and beat the dog in both of us.
Both of us? Him? Tethered but barking fit to bite.
And me bruised, crouching, with arms high, elbows out
fending off the blows to come.
Unleash us both and let the best dog lie.