Photo by Emma Hardy

The Shadow

The shadow of you

the one that speaks 

with unkind words

Words that sting and words that promise

Words that nurture 

and slap me

I release you.

The shadow hangs on

clings for comfort

Words of affirmation 

pour from me only to be consumed

by the greedy shadow, and

Always needing more. 

Needing more.

A child needs a parent

Not a shadow that

Screeches and wails

A grandchild needs a grandparent

Not a shadow that

Hums with desire then

Disappears into itself 

A sullen shadow,

Rejected

poor shadow

Neglected

Will never know what beauty

Lays ahead because the shadow

Deflected. 

I release you.

I release you.

I

release

you.