the shadow

shifting shapes are following me
recurring horrors, drawn out by the light
blurred movement near the edge
fragile boundary of the self
where the shadows lurk

whenever i stare into that presence
it gazes back at me
acknowledging my existence
denying my identity
laughing at my grudge

sometimes it grins smugly
the smile of mutual understanding
i am like you
you are like me
our fates are the same
our paths intertwined
there is no escape
where the shadows lurk

when i face them
when i fight back
when i evade them
when i alter my course
when i speed up
when i slow down
they gaze back at me
acknowledging my existence
denying my identity
laughing at my grudge

(2013)

---