Pockets

I've been in the backyard, following dogs, chasing ducks, and burning under the hot sun— my life unburdened in the innocence that is found in one’s pocket. Occasionally a bite, a nibble, and a spider jump, but nothing so threatening as your shadow in full disguise. I see you in my periphery during Halloween. I see you in my eyes, in my clearest moments. I see you leave when I eat Christ, but you find yourself back again. I come with new holy water and bigger crosses. I've chewed on garlic for days. My hands are wrapped with adhesive pins. Oh, shadow of mine, I'm here not to snuff you, but to bring you to the trials in my final reckoning and let the jury baptize you.