The Gap In My Shadow (Poetry)

Light throws my shade of dark against the wall
thinner, awkward-angled — grown resigned
to how I was. Now curiously less tall
and searching for the shape I’ve left behind.

There’s something missing — time has chipped away
the trueness of my outline — a slight gap
has opened up — my silhouette has play
and plans to morph — avoid the age-old trap.

I’d lose it gladly but it’s always there
dogging through the night-time like my ghost-
in-waiting as I catnap in my chair
or slipped behind each curtain or bed post.

It used to be a friend but now it seems
as though it lurks to taunt me — tease my eyes
unsettle thoughts and stalk me through grey dreams
changing — ever-changing — its disguise.

It fears it has no substance of its own
and so it clings — no way to be apart
its hollow ache a feeling too long known —
that emptiness that mourns a hopeful heart.