around the corner

eight stories
i slip in and around
the entrance
watches my movements.
i alternate patterns
avoid high traffic areas
stack excuses in my favor.
around corners
i hear voices
snippets of conversations
i fill the gaps
scenarios play out
images are reconstructed
these games fill time
as cloak and dagger
take over my mental state
avoid eyes
conversation
pause
when i stranger
view a glimpse of a neighbor.