Oh, don’t be frightened.

Come out to play.
It’s only just your shadow – only just –

a perfect blend of light and dark,
a not-quite-opaque extension of fingertips (or toes) spread before or behind you in the grass, on the concrete, on the garden fence –

a silhouette on construction paper
a house of mirrors twin-like shape
of someone you once knew,
of someone
who was magnificent.

See how your shadow dances?
It’s well formed edges
contain a brilliant and creative mind,
a dazzling and beautiful face,
and an oh-so-perfect heart.
Don’t be frightened.

Come out, come out
come out to play.
It’s only just your shadow.