Ghost of a Ghost - Moon and Baboon

composite image made in Adobe Express - an image that looks like double exposure of an obsidian statue in the shape of a skeleton with a cloak, one in focus front left and his shadow in the back toward the right. Then, there is a small twisted line in the front right that looks like a faint twisted path.

I can still feel your hand on my throat,
I can still smell your scent on my coat,
How do I run from a ghost of a ghost?
Where is the exit from this twisted road?

My nervous system is on high alert,
I should kneel down and pray first,
My mouth is dry, but not from thirst,
You aren’t here to hurt me, but I’m still cursed.

You’ve left me a big box with a black bow,
Your parting gift to me is your shadow,
My brain is now completely drained and hollow,
Only emptiness remains in my veins and torso.

I feel no desire to desire a celebration,
Numbness screams to drown extreme sensations,
Instead of finding peace during your absence,
I’m obsessed with a remnant of your existence.

Without you, I only have myself to blame,
Without you, I’m still stuck in the same shame,
I’m terrified you might decide to rekindle the flame,
A demented game to make sure I’m still tame.

You’ve carved a spot on my heart as a reminder,
You may have left but could still lurk around the corner,
Your shadow stays behind as your placeholder,
Turning bright hours eighteen shades darker.

Your hand is no longer on my throat,
Your scent is no longer on my coat,
Yet I’m still haunted by a version of your ghost,
I’m alive but too paralyzed to exit this twisted road!

— Sasi / October 1–3, 2024

PaintByWords prompt is "road" for week of July 13th, 2026