Follow me home,
Over the hills
of asphalt,
Through woods
Made of concrete
And iron.

Follow cracked sidewalks,
Shadows hide
behind brick walls,
Street lamps
light the path.

People will stare
People will wonder
People will ignore
Your plea for help
Voices mumbling around
Whispers surround

Life continues on
The hungry stare
Following my figure
Burns through
My heart

Track me
Tail me
Run ahead of me
Step around the corner
Draped in shadows
Hidden from sight

Break inside
Glass shatters
Windows open
Locks broken

Steal my family
Charade as another
Try to trick me
As I enter
My home

Erie quiet sounds
Fire lighting up the room
Warmth sends chills
Down my spine

I will see you
Lurking in the corridor
I will comment
on your disguise.

I will scream at you,
You’re not my family!
Why are you in my house?
I will call the authorities
You’ll threaten my life
Along with my family’s

Red and blue lights flutter
Through the broken window
You will tremble in fear
And anger
Growling furiously

They will break the door
Down and trap you
In small metal chains
As they take you
Away and
I will finally be

Safe from you

Published in UVU Warp & Weave, Fall 2022