When Shadows Dance

you slipped dangerous
across my path
forbidden
carnal and exciting
I’ve been hooked
ever since
we first met
when I was a teen
too timid

for a long time after
I observed
from a distance
curious
you were not the villain
some claimed

as I’ve grown
learned to animate
this vessel of blood, bone
sails of skin
navigate rocks and tides
you’ve remained aloof
wooden boy
packed in a trunk
as I suppose
good fantasies should be
except for rare amusements
displayed on your leashes
for private performance
shadow within shadow
flash in eye’s corner
causing head to turn
only to see nothing there

©2025 Kenneth W. Arthur