Being Followed

Walking down the street one dark night; I passed some road working equipment. Down the road a bit, I felt I was being followed. I glanced back and saw a backhoe that I’d passed at the work site; my god, I thought, I’ve walked three blocks since I passed that site; why is that backhoe following me? I turned a corner and four blocks later I looked again…yes, backhoe was two blocks behind me! Should I run? Would it chase me? My apartment was six blocks away; I entered an all night pharmacy and from its window, I watched the backhoe; it sat perfectly still. I bought a soda and left the pharmacy; two blocks, three, four; I was nearly home now. The shadow of my apartment building loomed in the distance; when I reached it, I ran quickly inside, glancing back behind me; there, one block away, that vile, living backhoe! I went up three flights of stairs to my apartment, taking two steps at a time. I looked out my window and wondered if I or anyone else dwelling there were safe from the backhoe. Would it try to destroy my building? What would I say to, warn the others there if it should attack? Then, I noticed, it was nowhere in sight! My neighbor, Eddie would be coming home at midnight; would it follow him too? I waited up to ask him about it but, Eddie never arrived; had it gotten him? I caught the bus for work the next morning; exhausted from a sleepless night. As it passed the work site; I swear that backhoe was smiling!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Robinson Jr. Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 12:21 PM
I love this macabre muse, ML. I give it a room "1408" ten shivers and a Raven bat-out-of-hell quiver. Super cool scary. Love and peace always.
Kiser Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 1:31 PM
That was inspired by a backhoe that sat on campus in the same spot for the greater part of a year; I had to cross a field to get to work on the 3rd shift. Every time I passed the thing, I had the thought, now what would happen if that thing came to life right now? Glad you enjoyed it.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 7:41 AM
One crazy story. Shivers...
Kiser Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 1:31 PM
Thanks again, Kim.
Krutsinger Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 7:18 AM
Hilarous! I could not wait for the ending, the fact that it could have gotten Eddie sounded pretty sound! Your imagination is having a ball now!
Kiser Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 1:32 PM
For some reason, the big holidays just seem to send it soaring but, yep, it's having a ball! Thanks again.
Sands Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 7:12 AM
A very creative poem ! Well written M.L. :)
Kiser Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 1:32 PM
Many thanks.
Pandit Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 7:08 AM
You certainly have a way with your imagination my friend..looks like it was looking after you..making sure you got home safely..the smile says it all.
Kiser Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 1:33 PM
Ah, now there's an interesting view. I'd hate to think that it got Eddie and protected me...hmmmm...Ah well... Thanks.
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