I've always worked best in the shadows

indirect direction,
feeling the way forward
one heartbeat at a time

it's better that way

out of the spotlight
behind the scenes
the backdrop that lets the actors shine

the stage is not my place
it has never been my place

behind the scenes is where magic reigns

you call the shots
you
you
you

the script is light
you are the shadow cast
unseen
essential

///

blinding, blackout

it's rarely cold in the dark
my friends are there, too
I can feel the way forward without pause

but when you are alone
ice claws at your neck, at your ears
at your wings
and you cannot take a step
for fear of falling

you are the light this time
your own warmth
your own spotlight
your own torch

find the other candle flames
and with them
light up the stage

we wait for your cue