She looks like Death is stalking
Her heart: the pallor in her face
Is not physical.

For the briefest moment,
There was hope in her eyes,
And a longing to be somewhere,
Anywhere else, away from
Everyone but not alone.

*
She felt my eyes on her, and
I felt her retreat from
The darkness in my gaze.
The beacon of light I strive
To be can never banish
All of the shadows.

My eyes to not have to be
Visible to be seen.

*
Did she hear my footsteps
Behind her ears? I only
Followed her to feel safe;
In doing so, did I deny
Her the same?

She disappeared quickly into
The trees, leaving me
Alone and exposed,
With nothing to hide me
From myself.

09/21/2016

Posted on 10/24/2016
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