I.
I am happy today
Because I let the shadows alone
I see them
I did not name them
They aren't mine
Unless I name them
Then I add to them
They stick to me
Their owners disavow them
Their owners recoil in horror
from me, a huge talking shadow
Their owners disavow them
Poor shadows
They are so lonely
But it doesn't serve if I name them
Their owners think they are mine
Their owners think they are gone
Relief
Freedom
Evil named and cast out
Once I am alone, the shadows roil
They cry for home
They cry for their people
They are fearful
They gather into gangs
To face the terrible journey home
To their owners
When the shadow is offered
I don't reject it
I don't name it
I wait
It is in the room
Manifest
Between us
And mostly the owner
Speaks of something
Else
And the shadow sinks
Waits
Bides
I hear the shadows weeping
To be loved
II.
I hear the shadows weeping
To be loved
I thought if I named the shadows
They would be visible
Freed
Loved
I was wrong
I am so sorry, shadows
I am so sorry, owners
I was wrong
I send you all my love
and tears
I hear the shadows weeping
to be loved.