A Phantom in the Woods

A whispered rumor circulates our town

That once there lived a stranger in this wood

Drove to madness, some say he would drown

Any soul that found him--dark or good

My pace is brisk along this creekbed path

I've fear of my own shadow 'cross the trees

I do not wish to meet the phantom's wrath

I cry out into nothing--fruitless pleas

My running feet are twisted into branches

I fall into the creek and crack my head

On the rocks, and my complexion blanches

When I realize that I'll soon be dead

I swear I see the cloaked man stand above

Though in my heart I know I am alone

There was no phantom there to give the shove

The madness that destroyed me was my own