The Shadow That Walks Beside

I follow the shadow that will not let go,

its breath entwined with every step I take.

The roots remember what the rivers know.

🍂

It keeps its counsel in the twilight’s glow,

it bends the trees, it ripples every lake.

I follow the shadow that will not let go.

🍂

The wind repeats the hymn of long ago,

a song of longing only silence makes.

The roots remember what the rivers know.

🍂

Desire is fire that finds no place to grow,

yet burns in branches, sings in bark that breaks.

I follow the shadow that will not let go.

🍂

No dawn will banish what the dusk will sew,

no hand unmake the vow the heart remakes.

The roots remember what the rivers know.

🍂

So night by night, wherever I may go,

I walk the path obsession will not shake.

I follow the shadow that will not let go,

the roots remember what the rivers know.