Stealthy, she waits
Until I’m not looking
Creeps up behind
Murmurs in my ear
Muted whispers
Her messages hook me
Faults in my mind
Let her stoke my fear
Oh the peril…
Become feral…
Kindness undone
Within a split second
Warmth runs away
When it’s chased by this beast
No fault nor foul
Can withstand this weapon
They all decay
Once she’s been unleashed
Broken beliefs…
On them she feasts…
Her shadow hides
Slenderness of her form
I often glimpse
Savagery in her eyes
Her hair, a shock
Of shadow snakes swarm
Ending in wisps
Bind me tight to her side
She does not care…
Run now, beware…
Listen closely
For I’ll tell you the truth
She’s never left
No matter how I’ve tried
She’ll twist your words
And provide me with proof
So be my guest
Take my trust for a ride
Author’s Note:
This poem was written in response to a prompt from
on Beira’s Bothy:A hidden fear: imagine a fear you have isn’t just in your mind but has taken on a physical form, like a small quiet creature that follows you around. Describe what it looks like and how it behaves. What would you say to it, if you could converse with it?
Shit on me once, shame on you. Shit on me twice, shame on me.
This has been my life in a nutshell for way too long. It grew so twisted, my default became to never trust anyone. I’m working to rewrite that now.
Seriously, thanks to all the great people on here who have been so kind and definitely worthy of trust. You give a girl hope!
Thanks for reading💜
—Liora
Thanks for reading this piece from Embodied Shadows. If it struck something in you:
– Buy me a coffee — every little boost helps.
– Feed the kitties — daily meals for the colony + Whiskers in the Dark.
– Grab my chapbook — Through the Fire, Vol. I — the words that lit this project.
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Thanks so much for sharing my work @Seajade! You’re amazing 💜
Dear Ms. Liora,
Wow. I can feel how “Ms. Trust” isn’t just a metaphor, it’s a lived experience. One that’s been with me for decades. That line, “She’s never left”...ugh. The inescapability of her. She’s lost most of her power over me now but still lurks in my soul. Your poem resonates deeply with me and anyone who’s had to rebuild themselves from the ashes of broken trust.
"Shit on me once, shame on you. Shit on me twice, shame on me."...hahaha, that reminded me of something Scotty said to Captain Kirk about the Klingons. I’ve carried that sentiment with me most of my life.
You’re someone who’s not afraid to name the darkness but still reaches for the light. That’s powerful work. Thank you for sharing it.
Blessed be,
Steve