My Shadow Friend
by Corey Campbell

There’s a nagging tug on my heart from a shadow friend of mine.
A puppet to the noise, my shadow dances to the time.
But the time does not recognize my shadow as it wants.
Instead the time moves on, and my shadow can’t keep up.

I feel for my shadow but as I near to touch,
My shadow casts away, departing from my clutch.
I have hurt my shadow, a pain to burn me yet.
Even my sorrow tears, oust no pardon from its lips.

For I fear I treat my shadow, as the time treats my age.
Time does not slow when needed; it continues on its way.
Ignoring the sounding pleas, it runs off into the night.
Nor does it stop then; for upon our awake, there’s light.

I have grieved my shadow and that is why it mocks me,
Yet I still beg my shadow to absolve my past happening.
For I love my shadow friend, even though it cannot see.
And this love I offer it, will continue on into eternity.

Even if my shadow, resents all of who I am,
I will not give up my offer, because it is my friend.
And so I ask my shadow not to leave my side,
But to stay with me and never run or hide.

For this is no ordinary friendship; this will not pass me by!
I will not stop chasing after this shadow friend of mine.
Because if I did not have my shadow, there is but one concluding fright:
I must be surrounded by darkness, without a source of light.