The Shadows Whisper

Walking in the night,

One foot in front of the other,

Pacing, plodding, trudging,

Marching into uncertainty.

The shadows whisper a warning,

Alone in the dark,

Every sound an alarm,

Every corner an ambush.

The shadows whisper an invitation,

"Embrace me. Embrace yourself.

Hide your secrets here,

Uncage your demons."

The shadows whisper a promise,

"I'll accept you as you are,

Become your ally,

Safeguard you from the cruel light of day."

Shadows don't whisper,

They echo.

Standing on the edge of the unknown,

Paralyzed by indecision,

"Are cliffs for climbing,

Or leaping?"

The light declares,

"Come to me.

I will protect you from the dark.

I'll become your guide."

Strolling, ambling, sauntering,

Marching into the light,

Feet placed with resolution,

The path illuminated.

But the light gasps,
then fades, its power insufficient,
to project beyond its given sphere,
it coughs, then fades to black.

Because everywhere the light isn't,
There are the shadows,
Defined in contrast with its only foe,
The brightest light casts the darkest shadow.

Some people belong in the light,
But not I.
For though the light illuminates the path,
It denies the errant wanderer their quest.

The only truth that matters,
Is the one that I discover.

The only honest route is through the dark,
the only true companion my own mind.

The shadows whisper,
"Welcome home."