I have seen the spider that carries our fears
flushed away by the rain
down the chipped and worn gutter
to be stuck circling a clogged storm drain
the debris of city life
preventing this water from escaping to the sea

when I am not there

have you ever seen the wind
or felt the eyes of the stars on you
it is that tickle in your spine
and electrical shock
that makes the hairs on your neck rise
you are not alone
and I will never let you be
that is my hand holding yours
through the long hours of the night