In The Shadow
By Allison Dyer
The shadow is cast from a petite silhouette.
I cower behind the shadow.
The shadow is perfect. No flaws. No mistakes.
The shadow masks my face, only showing the greatness in front of me.
The shadow creates an image for me.
The shadow is better. Always.
The shadow reminds me of what I cannot be. Of what I cannot achieve.
The shadow makes me try harder.
The shadow is what I try to break out of. Impossible.
I try to escape the shadow.
The shadow creeps up behind me. Captures me.
The shadow engulfs me, covering all inches of my body.
The shadow keeps me in the dark.
The shadow is slowly vanishing.
The shadow fades exposing me to the light.
I long to live behind the shadow again, barely showing myself
to the world.