Today’spoem

AN UNWANTED GUEST

I’m waiting in the shadows, In the darkness, in the gloom. I watch you from the corner As you walk into the room. You go about your business. I am quiet and I’m still. You’ve no idea I’m watching, But in time I’m sure you will. I’ve left you clues aplenty To alert you I am there. You’ve brushed aside each of them Trying so hard not to care. I’ve touched you while you’re sleeping With a gentle touch, unfelt. You’d hate to wake and see me. This is what we’ve both been dealt. I’ve never tried to hurt you. I just want to share your space. You out in the open, and Me in a darker place. Occasionally you glimpse me And you hate what you have seen. Your eyes keep flicking over To the place where I have been. But one day soon you’ll face me And your pupils will grow wider, As you, with growing terror, yell: ‘Dad, come and get this spider!’ Judith Blatherwick, Garvald, East Lothian.