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The Figure

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The Figure The day ends in a long drawn out sigh as if done with the heat, folding into the evening to soothe where sunburn has peeled back life to a hurt. The dry earth waits for a few drops of dew to fall from trees. Flying overhead the dark silhouettes of fruit bats give a menace to the skies, they seem like angels fleeing from hell. This is the time he emerges from the shadows, his course close to walls as if trying to avoid open ground. Some have almost caught a glimpse of his face when rounding a corner, head down, intent to look away and avoid a stare. He appears featureless. And yet all know him, his shape filling a familiar space reserved for fear. If you call out he will never answer but just retreat further into the night, deeper into your mind.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 11/12/2024 4:15:00 AM
Your opening verse does a fantastic job of foreshadowing what is to follow. That man is always the villain in dark night surroundings... the boogie man to children. I've thought of him AS the shadows that follow us when there's just enough light for his shadowing to be seen. Or maybe it's the shadows that frighten us.
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Paul Willason
Date: 11/14/2024 5:52:00 PM
That spectre is well caught in your comments. The most frightening is the one not given a name...the sense that something lurks just out of reach...echoes of Kafka. Many thanks for walking the territory and commenting. Thoughtful as usual dear Lin. Take care, Paul

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