Three Shadows in the City

Was that a nightmare or a vision?

Photo by Gus Nwanya on Unsplash

A navy blue sky with no moon.
The city has no people.
Empty streets, empty buildings.
Only the sound of the river below
while I walk across the bridge.
Where is everyone?

A street light blinks ahead
of me.
What’s it trying
to show me?
Its white light stands out
compared to the blacks and blues
and grays around me.
I reach the light.
There’s nothing here.
I guess I just keep walking.

Then I hear a crunch behind me!
I don’t want to turn around.
It’s been so quiet, almost peaceful.
I know I won’t like what I see.

Three shadows stand behind me.
Two are small, the center huge.
At first, I watch them
until it’s clear
they’ve noticed me.
Should I run?
Should I stay?