Stalking

We imagined

our joy would come

with the conclusion

of our hard efforts,

with the attainment

of our long-strived-for prize

But in fact

our joy had been there

hiding in the bands of shadow 

of our suspense,

slipping into the footsteps

of our work,

stalking us

Not waiting for the finish

but for us to notice

it was right there with us

ready to slide around 

shafts of hope

into the sunlight.

©Wendy Mulhern

March 5, 2015