The Lurker

A shadow lurking,

hiding in an alley In my mind.

I know it’s there, but it slips behind

something familiar.

I do not see it.

Much like awakening from a bad dream

and feeling a presence In the room,

hangs the ever-present feeling of doom.

Staggering through my days with a stalker leering.

Panic ever growing until I’m incapable

of knowing what it is I’m even fearing.

Mind a jumble and heart racing.

Ringing In the ears.

I convince myself that it isn’t real.

And I breathe.

But not for long.

I will try to believe that it’s gone,

but then I’ll see movement.

Something lurking.

Waiting for its moment to emerge.