Standing camouflaged
In the shadow,
Back pressed against
The wall
Like a masked
Cat burglar,
Is the coward,
Sneaking,
Never present
Until gone;
Prowling,
Like sleep,
In playgrounds and hospitals,
Airports and backyard pool;
Or by knives, decrees,
Enemies or envy,
Even by longevity
Or in explosive proximity.
Cheeks drain. Eyes pool
At the moment of recognition,
When the sneak thief
Is present,
He's gone.