Learning Life's Lessons

Life's a b*****d.

Today, it took the form of a man. 

I knew he was there in the way that only comes 

from a lifetime of being followed.

I felt him step on my shadow and grow still, 

waiting.

My heart told me to turn and face him.

It pounded in my chest, swelling with rage 

and pumping blood that sang, “retribution.”

There was no point in running. 

I was surrounded on all sides by darkness so alive

that I could hear its hunger pangs. 

He moved again, stumbling steps rattling like chains

Until he was at my shoulder.

His dirty fingers wrapped around my arms,

and I felt his moist breath brush the shell of my ear as he whispered;

“It’s ok, honey. You’ll be a woman soon.”

Reviews

[Wild Rose]

Chilling / unnerving

Have been followed once - I am male I was expecting him to strike and be robbed - but I had nothing of value to steal
I stopped he/it stopped
I looked around
Nothing - No one

[Lea Sheryn]

Deep. I was followed on a city street once. It really makes the heart pound.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

great work, very deep, thanks for entry into my competition

[BlackPrince]

I have a feeling like you're depicting the tale of a stalker. I may be wrong.

[ohsograceful]

I'm definitely using that narrative to prove my point.

[Chris]

That was one "dark" rendition... intense and chilling

[Neville]

Sinister and chilling from one end to the other.... I sincerely hope these words stem from the depths of some fine young imagination......... Neville

[.]

Things have a way of creeping up on us...very creative piece!

[49k_jdys]

This made me feel something dark, but it was darkly enjoyable. The imagery was great. My mind was alive with this one!

[D Alan Johnstone]

Hard to express how much greatness there is in this poem! I LOVE this image: "I felt him step on my shadow and grow still." AMAZING metaphor.
"Against the quiet night his stumbling steps rattled like chains" Once again, so great. Images instantly come to mind of a Dickensian ghost ...haunting.
When I read your words, I long to write like you.
Beautiful, dark, sad, perfect.

[ohsograceful]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it. I actually took some inspiration from Dickinson so good call there!

[Prototato]

I like how you chose a poem instead of a short story. Too many people turn that into fifteen, twenty pages of frivrlous things. This poem is impactful, to the point, and has surprisingly vivid imagery. Excellent job

[ohsograceful]

Thank you :) although I must admit, my patience (or lack thereof) doesn't really allow for many wasted words. I admire people who can capture words in a story

[Prototato]

Trust me, descriptions aren’t difficult. I’m more ikpressed with good pietry. ^-^