The First Breath

Shadows don't breathe -
They only look like they're breathing.
Really, there's no one there.
I am a shadow.

All but quickly, I found a flame
...and turned away scared.
That light burned the shadow away.
Burned me away.
I was a shadow.

Shadows can't see.
With this light, I have vision.
With this flame, I am free.
I am not a shadow.

With the darkness gone,
I can see the world.
I can see me.
I can breathe.
I was never a shadow.

I am someone and always have been.
As I step forward -
I take my first breath.

And with that, nothing can stop me.