Shadow

You used to be the life of the party.

You used to be the light of my days.

You used to be everything to me,

But “used to be’s” a sorry phrase.

I ache to have the old you with me.

I want to give you hugs every night.

But how can I find you, my dear friend,

When you seem to have lost your light?

*

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, nothing but a shadow on the wall.

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, there’s no “u” in us at all.

Something is darker about you. Somehow, you’ve gone away.

I know that you are fighting for a way to smother the gray. But...

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, nothing but a shadow on the wall.

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, there’s no “u” in us at all.

*

I want your laugh. I want your smile. I want your love. It’s been a while.

I’ll be your strength. I’m here for you. Just lean on me. We’ll see it through.

*

I’m begging you to get the help you need.

I don’t know what I can do.

Please, don’t you give up on yourself.

I won’t ever give up on you.

I can see what you are going through.

You don't deserve such distress.

But it’s time to face this thing head-on.

I can see that you’re a mess.

*

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, nothing but a shadow on the wall.

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, there’s no “u” in us at all.

Something is darker about you. Somehow, you’ve gone away.

I know that you are fighting for a way to smother the gray. But...

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, nothing but a shadow on the wall.

You’re a shadow, sha-sha-sha-shadow, there’s no “u” in us at all.

*

Thank you for reading this poem, which is a musical work. If you or someone you love is suffering, please seek help. No one wants you to be a shadow of your former self.