ShadowDancer

snowy-bright morning and i
am embracing my shadow
she is dancing within me
one half-beat behind and i've
become her audience. dance,
i tell her, not tauntingly but
with sincere heart. dance, for
i see the distinction within
and know that her movements
are her own. she is a child
needing expression and gentle
guidance--hush whispered no-no's
in place of yellings and spankings
she is a child--real and existing,
not good or bad. strong like a seed,
but not fully empowered, and so
i simply open my arms to her
offer a place to rest on my breast
where i can offer her Love
and constructive suggestions
for other ways to move, without thwarting
her most earnest efforts