THE SHADOW OF ME

Rachelle, BIPH

The Shadow of Me lives

On the spotlight of the stage

Never thinking

Never creating

Never expressing

Always following

My lips sealed shut with glue

My mind being told to do so too

I stand there

Still – Silent - Static

While the crowd peruses at the hand

The hand that controls --- No

Commands my every move

I stay there

Still – Silent - Static

While the crowd claps until their palms turn red I stare at mine

Pale – Unheard – Unused - Unsaid

The Shadow of Me lives

On the spotlight of the stage

They can’t see it, but a tear trickles

Down my once rosy cheeks, now waxen.

I am never to be seen

Never to be free