Fear

I walked alone in darkness,

Thoughts focused on alarm.

Heart rate increased.

Palms became clammy.

Eyes remained alert.

Breathing controlled with effort.

What was that sound?

*

Only a crow.

Speed increased.

Heart raced.

Palms sweat.

Eyes darted.

Breathing grew audible.

Arm hairs stood on end.

Were those footsteps?

*

Only mine.

Speed increased yet again.

Imagination gone wild.

Every sound a foreshadowing.

Every shadow a threat.

Heart raced faster.

Palms sweat more.

Eyes darted frantically,

Watching left,

Scrutinizing right.

Breathing came in gasps,

Louder,

Faster.

*

What was this unease?

What was the danger?

Slow down.

Stop.

Listen.

The only thing

Behind

Is

Fear.