I carry this cloak, for home has hidden beneath black linen.
Wind twists through the trees to tug at the fabric. Gusts give a glimpse of the girl tangled within..

As I wander the shale - soul melded with shadow - I feel the stitches fray from fluttering air.
Fearful, for with each stride, my soul seeks to slip free.

Yearning to feel..
Sunlight on bleached skin.

It's never been like this before.
Not as far as I can remember.
Your words, your mind, your voice, your smile...
Familiarity, down to strange details.

The way I feel I can read your mind as you debate an approach.
The way you likely notice me, pretending to not notice you.
Yet we both avoid meeting a gaze as the distance closes...

Smile, greeting, small talk, laughter...

...Touch....

And time stops - if for at least a second.

...Breathe, smile, banter...
A few seconds of silence and I've tripped on the tension.

Quick diversion. depart.

Let these shadows slip down from the night sky and drape themselves over the earth, leaving the land impenetrable by the light of those distant stars which lay eternally out of reach.

It's time for slumber.

Are they serving you or are you a slave to them -
Those voices in your mind.

Are you leading, or following behind, in your theatre of mind.

Choose your words. Your thoughts. Your path.
Plot them out at will.

Here and now, you make your choice.
It's your life to fulfill.