I'm Not Alone

I walk with dread. I know I'm not alone.
I look around and, of course, no one is there.
But, I am not alone. The darkness beckons
me and the street light whispers safety.
I cannot trust either because I know.

My predator is right on my heels
and so much larger than life. He changes
in an inkling and reaches long arms
to grab at my flesh. I elude him once again
but know that it won't be long now.

I run only to sense him in front of me
which stops me in my tracks. I cannot
find my voice as terror as taken hold
of my throat. My breath becomes
ragged as I struggle for air.

I fail to see my attacker as I turn
and blindly run. I know that safety
can't be far away, but I stumble
in uncertainty and fear. I hear him
clearly and wonder if this is it.

Hey Mister

Hey Mister,
keep those whiskers and those paws
to yourself. I may be alone,
but I'm not needy.

Go back to where your prey
won't question your motives
since they won't even know
what the word means.

There's no law against solitude.
It is only confinement causes trouble.
I'm not near lonely enough for you.
My parents taught me a thing or two.

I've been on my own for as long
as I can remember. My folks, well,
they didn't make it home one night.
That made me stand on my own feet.

So, Mister,
keep your whiskers and your paws
to yourself. I don't need you.