Walking along a cement path,

I notice only the occasional Human waltz by.

Or I notice the jittery squirrels that skitter up and down the oak trees.

But I notice most the shadow that seems to be following me.

No,

It is not my own shadow.

I could be certain that it was the shadow of a monster.

Every now and then,

Out of the corner of my eye,

I see something dart in and out of the bushes that line the sidewalk.

So, mustering up all of my courage, I turn around and stand tall, trying to scare off or at least intimidate whatever is stalking me. Proud and tall.

Then suddenly,

Scared and small.

A dog.

Oh boy...