Concrete Steps and a Sunset

I’m surrounded each day by a cloud of

Remonstrations machinations demonstrations assassinations

Clinging to my shadow,

Ready to remind me of reality

At every second when I seem to be enjoying myself.

They stalk my happiness, waiting to spring with all the worst news

Of the world’s continued race of the edge of a cliff.

They exhaust me with their prodding persistence

Until I forego all cheerful thoughts

Just to preempt their arrival.

But I slip into a seat by my companion,

Slide an arm around his back,

And pull him close –

And my pursuers grudgingly flee.

Our twin demons can torment each other

While, freed for the hour,

We embrace without fear of reproach.