Ten Feet

I have known fear
In the dark corners that surround the well-lit plazas
Of warmth and radiance and gleam
I have seen the dim corridors that hold my hours of peril
The fluorescent lighting casts shadows on your face
And I have seen the panic in my eyes

I have known fear
In hearing your footsteps from behind me
The heavy, fearless tread you take
I have wandered through pointless paths to avoid you
So many faces are oblivious to my retreat
And I have seen your intentions in your eyes

I have known fear
In every word I should not have spoken
Every connection that I should not have made
I have struggled to keep you far from me
Amidst others' warnings, against others' blind hopes
And the same that see my fears in vain

But I have known fear
I have seen fear
I have felt fear
And the source, it seems
Is simply you.