SHADOWS

I watch, disconnected, as others reach
deep inside and reveal their shadows.
I see their eyes grow small and weary,
often times they fill with tears.
But when I’m asked to join them
though my lips move easily,
I gaze upon the ground and find no shadow.

Others run as I try to crawl
seeking a pure heart behind the wall
that grows stronger with every pain
remembered; that grows taller with
every missed chance to break through.

A small child cries out to be soothed,
protected, assured that these are new days
to be welcomed with an open heart
illumined by an inner light
that will release the stubborn shadow.