I am from the darkest shadows of thought. I am the waking nightmare that haunts you in the periphery of your vision. I am the doubt, the worry, the insecurities that make your footsteps heavy.
I am from the nightmares you had as a child. I am the fears that have followed you into adulthood. I am that which you think you hear when all is silent and I am the creaking floorboards, the air in the pipes, the settling groans of your house. I am that which causes you to still pull the covers over your head when there is no one beside you.
I am from the pain in your heart. I am the regrets that whisper in your ear when the moon is full. I am the ghosts of the past you tried to bury. I am both bully and victim. I am judge to your sins, and jury to your agonies. I remember when you forget.
I am from you. I am the mirror image that only you can see. I am the strengths you wish you had, I am the weaknesses you run from. I am your Dorian Gray.
Where are you from?
Originally published October 7, 2007