Footfalls

I heard his footsteps right behind me
not a running pace, more a sly saunter,
deliberate, distinct.
So I quickened my step, not much, just a little.
I was not scared,
but that footfall echoed
a cadence as fast as mine.
This went on for a while, slow, quick,
slow, quick, quick, like some
dance step:
slow, quick and slow.
I could not lose him.

Then the years went by
he drew nearer as I slowed down
quick or slow
whichever pace could not distract him;
then he was beside me.

He never leaves me now. Soon
we’ll go together.