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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