Author's Note: If you're up to it, read the three poems that come before this one in the series first.

On the Crumbling Crag of Doubt
A Poetry Series

Number Four:

I See You There

I see you there, peaking, pretending you were asleep.
I've been aware. Creeping, you're tending your own upkeep.

You feel like a fly--
Dirty, sly, buzzing, and preening.
Why, cleaning mimics rubbing your palms.
Scheming calms you, doesn't it?

Ever-changing tactics keep me chasing,
Keep me balking. Any sight of you and I'm halting.
Even when your taunts differ, I know you, my old haunt.
Always the same--you claim protection, but you aim to maim.

I see you there, Doubt, nibbling at my confidence.
I've been aware, Doubt, sibling against dependence.

~August 2003, RMKS

Thank you for indulging.