My Shadow

My shadow leads I follow

It falls behind I wait

Like a Mum with a toddler

I know it’s me

But still I question its authenticity

Grilling it for signs of street lit fakery

Or airbrushed incredulity

When the moon is full

And the sky clear

My bold shadow walks purposefully on

While I slope behind.

Is darkness its enemy?

Or is it a merely a meeting of many

Gossiping about our fragile selves

Then sleeping

Like so many dogs have done

At the foot of my bed.