The Sneak

It sneaks up from behind

Catches you unaware

Sometimes oblivious

You just don’t care

But when it catches you

When you’re caught in its wake

Fear rises from its slumber

And you tremble and shake

This is the moment

Is it fight or flight?

No time to think

Whether wrong or right

And so you act

Lean into the moment

Accept your vulnerability

And face the torment

And you may wonder

Who this monster might be

Of whom do I write?

And how come it frightens me?

Since you asked

With sincerity of heart

And in boldness too

I will answer for my part

This monster dwells

Not in the mountains

Nor in the deepest ocean

In its dark and unseen fountains

Instead it lives close by

Nearer than your dearest one

Leaps from the unlikeliest place

And from it we cannot run

Can you venture a guess?

Have I given no clue?

Are you ready to give in

Truly, have I stumped you?

Forgive me my vagueness

And my cryptic manner

I am nearer to my reveal

And to surrender’s banner

I speak of a monster

And for it I’m not to blame

It’s forced upon me by others

And its name my friend is “Shame”