I am;
something you forget.

Remember
after.

You don't really care
about me. If you did
I wouldn't be.

Your care for me is
a consolation prize.
An apology.

I'm there after the people.
After the places.
Behind the background.

I'm after words.
After reaction.
After thought.

Haunted at the mist.
Shadows swallow me whole.

Visions of the past.
Shadows beckon my call.

Summons of the evil.
Pierces at the heart.

Casting out the spells.
Pierces every part.

A long time ago
a wise man once said
never show all your cards.
Dear boy use your head.

If I can give you a tip
it's keep your audience guessing.
Don't let out all of your secrets
with the words your processing.

You may find it rewarding
when your stories arise
to put a twist in the tale
and create a surprise.

When they really expect
what they think happens next
take the pathway elsewhere
with a change to the text.

And when they wonder “What now”?
When they're feeling unsure,
like an Old Fisherman
you can cast out that lure.

Surely then they shall bite,
safely caught on your hook
and you can keep them all dangling
till they finish your book.