My Shadow

The shadow, 
Shows another side 
Conceals the real me 
Easier for me to hide 

That part of myself 
Others couldn’t see
Projected a different persona 
Someone I didn’t want to be.

People I would meet 
Desired Outcomes I got,
An Inauthentic portrayal 
Being myself I was not.

This elusive dark side of me 
With an agenda so contrived 
Kept me in the behavior 
So the cunning part thrived.

Moving outside my shadow 
Involves dealing with life as new
Embracing a different me 
In everything I do.

The shadow was self-serving 
Protected me in certain ways 
But really it was self-sabotage 
Feeling danger ahead many days.

Exposing my healthy side 
Puts the shadow to rest 
I am living a totally different life 
It’s the version I like best.

Paul P.