The Stalker

I took a shortcut through the woods
On a dark and wind-chilled night.
The shadows were playing hide and seek,
Creating an eerie sight.

Then a sound I heard apart from the wind
That ruffled the swaying trees.
Causing my heart to quicken its beat,
Brought a quiver to my knees.

I heard behind me the snap of a twig
No shadow, though, could I see.
Is it a stalker, I thought with alarm
Is the stalker following me?

As panic took over, my pace was increased
And wildly I started to run,
And i fearfully envisioned the stalker there
Poised either with knife or a gun

I feared then what would fashion my fate
When he finally catches me
But turning to look behind me I ran
Headlong into a tree.

I passed out cold, and when coming to
With a mixture of fear and disgrace,
The "stalker" was standing over me
And tenderly licking my face.

I felt both relief and love in my heart,
Though my mind was still in a fog
I picked him up gently and held him close-
That shivering, lonely dog.

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