Shadows

Walking the shores in the fading light,
my shadow stretches, dark as the night,
following me closely across the moist sands,
grotesquely changing as it shrinks and expands.

A stillness ensues and fear chills my bones.
I become aware I'm no longer alone.
Whirling about, my eyes rake the strand
and find only my lonely footprints in the sand.

Broken shards of sunlight tear holes in a cloud
but the darkness within continues to shroud;
no peace can I find from the acts that I've done
and my own inner demons keep me from the sun.

A movement! I catch it from the corner of my eyes.
I turn and see only where my shadow lies.
Still, I sense more than see a slight hesitation
then from within my shadow comes a dark creation.

Gaunt and deformed it grows on its own
It whispers dark words that are more than a moan.
Red eyes burn deeply though it has no face.
It reaches and takes me in a lover's embrace.

With the glacial coldness I find I can't move.
My screams lie in my throat and I see it remove
the hood that has concealed my present fate.
Malevolent eyes shine in a face filled with hate.

I hear of it's jealousy of those that are alive.
It sucks life like blood and that's how it survives.
Its obscene intimate touch is meant to strike fear
which it eats like candy, as it drinks my tears.

Like a dying ember, I slowly fade from sight
while my traitorous shadow returns to the night.




Notes
Wolfie's Prompt Challenge
Prompt: Shadows

30 lines/262 words

Thank you for taking the time to read my words. Please take a moment to leave a comment. Reactions, reflections, criticisms, praise... all equally welcome!

Ken