My shadow

They say that the shadow never lets you down,
Even if the light is gone
The shadow trails you in a subdued tone…
But it too changes as time passes along
I have seen my shadow get dwarfed in the merciless noon,
I have seen the evening’s silhouette grow long..

The mask falls and the naked face seems cruel,
Each endeavour is but an ordeal.
Hope smiles with the kiss of each dawn,
And whatever I do, I must do alone..
You may guide, you may be there -
But everything I have, I cannot share…

Your familiar scent lingers in the damp air,
Your smell is in everything, far and near,
I want to eulogize you, but I know no paean,
But I find your scent in the smell of the ocean…
You are there when the earth is kissed by the rain,
I remember you, in every comfort and pain..

And in many colours and in diverse forms
Only my shadow trails me,
And in those moments when no one is there
It’s my shadow that I always see…