My shadows you grew in your backyard,
clandestine photosynthesis with your darkness.
I nourished them with tears, unsalted over time.
The sun came up, I reached deep down, my roots calling out to me.
Uprooting them was painful
but I heard your darkness scream through my veins.
Tearing away from your weeds, I stretched out to the rays of the divine.
My shadows held on hoping for a trip to the unknown.
But here I was bidding a bittersweet goodbye.
My shadows were of your making, of my willingness to unhand.
Here they are, take them. Your grip, always tight
but to no avail you tried holding on to the fumes of my being.
Keep them as the souvenirs of your sins, that is, if you can.
They will one day fade as I heal. Then what will keep you company?
No shadows left to chase. You too will be forced to heal.
Painfully breaking from the addiction of your desires.
As for me, my journey sets sail for a voyage of love and adventure.
I may have grown in the muddy swamps of starry night underworlds,
and from there my shadows were raised.
But here I am today, peeling off the layers, skinning myself alive,
burning off your stubborn gaze. Here I am, letting go.
Featured image credit: Image by 愚木混株 Cdd20 from Pixabay
