The Lease in the Shadows

 

I live in the shadows. 

Not metaphorically. 

Not romantically. 

Just quietly.

 

When I see a flicker of shadow in the corner of a customer’s smile, 

I notice it without fail. 

It’s my residence. 

You won’t pass through without me seeing you.

 

I know the pain. 

The burden. 

The hollowness.

 

And I know you don’t belong here. 

You shouldn’t belong here.

 

So I ask, 

“Are you okay?” 

A phrase I once needed. 

A phrase I wanted

before I signed my lease in this dim corner of the world.

 

Now it may be too late for me. 

This contract is hard to break. 

But you— you haven’t signed yet.

 

Stay in the light. 

Don’t come looking for shelter here. 

I don’t need roommates. 

I prefer to live alone.