My shadow and me: A poem 

In the vacant park, with none to greet 

With my shadow I guiltily meet 

That I have, in vain, counted the leaves of trees 

And failed to see the beauty in each 

Have I oft shed a sullen, blind tear 

When so many live in despair and fear 

My shadow examines me in my furtive doubt 

That my blessings I have layered with grout 

What joy is daylight, if one doesn’t thank the sun? 

Life is secure because of the perseverance of some 

In the lifeless soldiers who knew not the battle 

But the whims of leaders who drove them like cattle 

I kiss my shadow and make my peace 

In the lonely dying hours of day that lease 

a tomorrow of sunshine or rain, joy or pain 

To the promise of gracefulness, I’ll stake my claim