Followed

I glance over my shoulder

waiting for a passing shadow

One I’ve seen just a few too many times

at a not so far a distance, following me

A flash of movement I’m not meant to see

Phantom footprints much larger than mine,

but I still don’t hear the steps

I feel eyes pursuing me, but when I look back,

our eyes don’t meet

Our gazes are never meant to meet. You can watch me,

but you’re so careful to ensure you stay mixed up in the crowd

I’m asked why I seem so tense at times, why I hold my bags close

(1)Why I only wear purses with over the shoulder straps

(2)Why I don’t wear heeled shoes, why I don’t walk alone at night

(1)They’re harder to grab

(2)It’s tougher to run

I’m simply just not that foolish

Although, of course, I wish I could be

How grand it would be

To actually walk free