Voice from the Shadows

 

Night and Day

I ride the shadow back of earth, heading
south at sunup and north at night, keeping
the sun on my left side.  (Do you feel earth
turning under your feet, as if you had
to hurry or you’d put your foot down where
you picked it up from?  I do.) My right hand
is dominant, though nerve damage renders
three fingers useless. Fortunately, I
can use its thumb and pointer, powerful
digits.  That is why I keep them on the
shadow side of my commute—to protect
me and ultimately you.  (I want you
to choose whether or not to ride with me—
not summon you.  Nor can I let you know
that I have summoning power at all.
People lose their hands, tongues, and heads for less. 
Some of us lose our minds. I see enough
circles and spirals to drive me crazy.)
I ride or walk the shadow back of earth.
Shadow lends me power, sun lends presence.
I have both, and I know it.  Look.  Here is
the sling where I carry my right hand, and
here is my naked left hand reaching out
to clasp your own.  Will you shake hands with me?

 

 Writer's Digest 2023 April PAD Challenge, Day 15: Write a poem every day of April with the 2023 April Poem-A-Day Challenge. For today's prompt, write a shadow poem.

My blog poems are rough drafts.

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© 2023 Susan L. Chast