counting shadows

Shadows bleed
shadows rage
shadows blend in
shadows rattle your cage
what good is it to be alive
if you can't get your head above water
what good is the truth
if you insist on living a lie

shadows remind you
of the impending night
of the clairvoyant truth
if you're missing perspective
shadows will provide it

we are all broken here
we are simmering in discontent
I could do much better
than all of you
if I wasn't so damaged
if I was clothed and in my right mind
but that's a lot of ifs

tonight
when I turn out my light
I will count the shadows
number myself with them
and know
that I will never be alone.