In The Shadows

He never understood why the burden was placed on him

Day or night

Rain or shine

It was always him

In the shadows

Watching

Taking notes

At some point it would be over

Had to be

The strike would come

The answers would follow

He watched her

Through the window

From the shadows

The way he did every day

Just waiting

In the shadows.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Aagghh- help! Seems like so many of these predators are out there now. You capture their warped mind-works so vividly and disturbingly here Paul. The Inference of compulsion and psychopathic, controlling egoism... Yes, well, pardon me now whilst I run to shut all my window blinds and triple-lock my doors- Ha!

[Paul Bell]

Stalking must be hard work though, hanging about all day in all weather. Just not good for your health. lol

[barleygirl]

The way your poem starts out, it reminds me of how obsessive people like to "blame" the person they're being obsessive about, as if this other person MAKES him/her do that pesky stalking behavior (one of my pet peeves, actually). But, in your usual fashion, you take it to the next level & this guy actually feels PUT UPON, as if burdened with stalking this b***h. I love exaggerated humor & I've learned alot about doing it from you. This is disturbing realistic, altho done as a caricature (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, stalkers always try and justify their actions, always others to blame never them.

[Fran Marie]

It all sounds rather
sinister..his obsession
with this woman is
spinning out of control
something has to give
soon..he can't remain
waiting in the shadows
much longer..the
sense of urgency
is felt here..

nice work

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, at some point he'll attack her as always happens in these cases.

[...]

I can say I never have desire to somebody watch at his or her private place. I am sure it's happening. You describe that person in very compassion way . So I almost feel sorry for him. Maybe if he come out of the shadow we can see him like beautiful person . Maybe.

[Paul Bell]

Never feel sorry for stalkers.

[emmajoy]

Think you could be thinking.. not sure yet of what or whom... if human then must be a woman.. yet an emotion or feeling about life could be in ferment.. if that's the correct expression.. Reading again but refusing to seek help below.. perhaps, yes, tis about a woman, or the thought of a woman and should you.. don;t think it's an evil write, more something that must be.. MUST BE.. sorted out and worked upon. Perhaps. I love mysteries! Take care, keep safe. Paul

[Paul Bell]

I'm hiding in your garden, Emma.
What do you think now? No, it's not chocolates. lol

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, this could be creepy if we look at it from the Stalker point of view...which we could.

I saw this more like a person wanting to out himself to the woman, let her know his true feelings...but he lies back in the shadows because he is too fearful that her response will be of reprimanding him or just simply turning him down and breaking his heart.
He attempts to summon the courage...and that is often so hard...We imagine the best scenario...stealing her heart...but in our minds...we see it turning out another way...a hurtful snub.
j.

[Paul Bell]

Was trying to portray him as a bit of a saddo, but I think stalker is in there.

[NotUsinganymore]

Very unsettling poem. There certainly are stalkers out there.

[Paul Bell]

Is it only guys who stalk, I wonder, mostly maybe.

[NotUsinganymore]

There are plenty of female stalkers!

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my ... so creepy, mysterious and dangerous .. well done .. great scene setting sir! no need to detail your characters .. they instantly appear for me! nice one .. this is how poetry turns to short stories, screen plays, novels, movies ... this one will always remain relevant to me .. we see it everyday sadly ... abuse so rampant .. and terrifying murder and violence .. i will make sure Norma has her 45 with her today ;)
E.

[Paul Bell]

Norma rocks, dirty Harry, make way.

[Einstein Noodle]

yep! :)...................