The shadow creeps
Finger tips almost
Touching my back.
It falls.
Tense with regret.
I shiver.
I am eclipsed.
I freeze.
Regret upon regret,
Gathers and darkens.
Wrapped in a blanket
Woven with mistakes.
I stand alone.
A broken path ahead
Builds before me.
Faded hope, crushed
Into the stones.
With one abrupt,
Bold move,
I step to one side
Circumventing its hold.
The spectre shrinks.
Lifeless in the light.
Dignity stands.
Kind, gentle illumination
And fresh, pure air
Restores my weary steps.
