…On Poetry and Fiction
Just “One Word” Away (“Shadow”)
written by: Phyllis P. Colucci
@FictionTarot
One word becomes one idea, becomes one sentence, becomes one poem, becomes one story. It must start from just “one word”. Today my one word is “Shadow”.
SHADOW
“Shadow” will walk with you on a bright sunny day and play hide and seek with you while the clouds settle in. You’ll be tempted to chase it, but unable to catch it. It will make you happy and it will make you sad. Sometimes you may play the fool, as you fall in love with its elusive spirit. You may run with it – skip, dance and hop along with it; but you will never enjoy its company if the mighty sun fades away. Perhaps it will join you once again so it can tease you, love you, leave you then embrace you – all on its own terms. It will always have the upper hand. You may follow the shadow as far as it will allow, but you will never capture it for the long-term. It can never be controlled with such an independent nature. It will come and it will go – but you will always be there; happy in the sunlight or suddenly lost in a cloud. What will you do? Your only choice will be to say good-bye and walk away until the next time. Isn’t that what life is all about?
SHADOW
I lost it quickly through a cloud
But yearned to make it mine
It came and went so gallantly
I prayed the sun would shine
“Shadow” lived in nature’s light
It danced and played to her song
I finally thought it came back to me
So I danced and played along
Unfortunately it slipped away
So callous and so cool
Through darkness and a raging rain
Again I played the fool
Its elusive spirit so selfish and cruel
Pretended to be so kind
I fell for its antics again and again
While it continued to torment my mind
It made me quite happy
And it made me quite sad
But most of all
It made me quite mad
So I made a decision
To say good-bye
I walked away from its truth
And I walked away from its lie
This “roller-coaster ride”
With my shadow of choice
Enlightened my soul
And gave me my voice
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
A shadow will keep you company on a sunny day, yet leave you lonely when the clouds come in.
One of life’s lessons: You must be able to recognize and embrace all situations, and let go at the right time.
