grey

my shadows are close
i am not ashamed
dark
hardened
relics from previous lives
stains from spilled emotions

ghosts
haunting
reminders of the past
hunted
nonbelievers in the future

i prepare
meet them
lean into the fear of being taken
submerged
forgotten
surrender

finding the grey, the inbetween
merge light with dark
grips of tale tell hearts
unfolding to truth
releasing guilt

they are me
shadows
i soften
round edges
dull sharpened thorns
always on guard
picking a part, throwing a way, tossing aside, damaging self induced theories

they are mine
shadows
i loosen
curved back
mustered strength
a voice that howls
i unwind, i let go, i untangle, loosen grip(s)

ghosts and shadows
seen behind
show up before
i carry them

weights