A Shadow

I’m looking down at the shadow of the person I once was 

The outline that resembles a figure of my past I’m afraid to confront 

Who is this girl?

Where has she gone?

My mind spirals as I lean in closer to her and look deeper into her soul 

The soul that once belonged to me 

The soul that is now tainted by darkness 

No light 

No escape 

Just

black 

She stands so at ease it is difficult to fathom this image 

Her cares seem to slip her mind as if everything around is so simple 

As if she isn’t constantly being eaten alive by a demon set out to destroy her 

A demon who she will soon grow to meet 

A demon who she will soon not escape  

The sad truth is that this beautiful image can be tainted by a single tear 

I let it fall 

fall 

fall 

fall 

down

down 

down

The darkness spreads like wildfire 

Is there still hope in her light?

Will she fight this plague?

Her illumination is slowly disappearing 

The light inside of her is giving out 

I’m unsure of what to do in this moment 

Whether to fight, flight, or freeze

I can’t move 

I simply stare as she becomes infected by this pigment 

The entire trajectory of her life being turned around in an instant

Did I do this?

Am I responsible?

My mind is racing and I can’t seem to think straight 

Something inside of me is telling me that I am the one to blame 

But a big pair of hands is making me believe otherwise 

These same hands that have manipulated me 

Those who will soon manipulate her too  

Who will take hold of her 

And never let her go