YOUR FOLLOWING

My youth has been spent
following you around
sometimes even
with your knowledge.
It won’t surprise me
if I spent my golden years
on that same circuit.

You may not know it
but I am probably your biggest fan
– and if not,
then certainly your fattest
though absolutely not your fastest
as I go breathless
in your presence
heavy panting
whenever you’re around.

You ask me to see the cripples
so I go see the cripples.
You suggest I dance with burnt flesh husks
and, without asking why,
I comply.

I obey your commands,
agree with your wishes.
I do what you say
firmly following your frequent phrases of friendship
for that is what I do.
That is what I am:
fanatical.