The beast watches from afar
yet close enough for me to sense its presence
like a cat watching a mouse
a predator closing in on its prey

It whispers into my ear
taunting me with  fears and doubts
while I can only listen
and act like nothing is wrong

It disappears for a while
as I strengthen and lull into false security
until it strikes once more
with its harsh words and painful accuracy

I can't run from the beast
because no matter where I go
it always finds me
and reminds me just how broken I truly am