Eigengrau - Poem written in Summer 2025. Prefaced with the definition of the word as it is in rare use. Inspired by my night terrors.

Definition:
Eigengrau - [ˈʔaɪ̯gŋ̍ˌgʁaʊ̯] Orig. German. "Own Grey" or "Intrinsic Grey". A perceived dark shade of grey that is nearly black. It is generated in the brain as a neurological phenomena when cut off from visual stimulus (Eyes closed, blindfolded, standing in a dark room.) The exact shade varies from individual to individual and is rarely true black.
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Drifting in eigengrau I slowly become aware,
bodiless and trapped within the void.
A familiar sound, my heart beat grows loud in my ears,
a slowly growing thunder overwhelming as I lay there.

It comes crawling forth and lurking, looming, enfolding,
like