Every night I see him

Standing by the road

Always at the same spot

As I drive on by

Tall and stiff and still

And watching me

It’s 5am, I’m going home from work

There are few cars on the road

And no walkers

But there he is again

Same place, same stance

Tall and stiff and still

Eyes on me

Of course there’s no one there

I only ever see him in the corner of my eye

Dark clothes, shrouded features

I turn my head and there is no one

Most people in bed, asleep

Certainly not out on the side of the road

Staring at passing motorists

It’s just a trick of the light

There’s no one there

Now I know that

Why do I still see him

Shadow man, nowhere man

Insubstantial as smoke

I never believed in ghosts

So maybe I’m imagining

The spectre by the side of the road

Tall and stiff and still

Judging me