Because we don’t often talk about the shadows we cast upon ourselves
Shadows hide people and things from the light
In the shadows I’ve vanished like
Dark at night
In the shadows I’ve questioned like
What is wrong and what is right and
In the shadows I’ve answered
My questions with fear and fright like
“Are you alright?”
In the shadows I’ve replied and
In the shadows I’ve lied
In the shadows, I know what it’s like
Quiet like silence, rowdy like violence
Challenging either way you slice it
Determined consistent opposition
My truth is defiant
Trust me, I know what it’s like
To be so determined to dim your own light that
You’re scared of your own shadow
Trust me, I know what it’s like
I know how shadows hide people and things from the light
Dr. Kiara Shanay Lee 