His Shadow

His Shadow

               Does he notice me? Does he even realise I am here? I’m always here, always waiting for him to see me. But he never sees me, and I can never see him.

               Why does he hide from the world? Why does he pretend to be content with life when I can see he’s torn inside? Why will he not notice me so then I would be free to help him? Please, allow me see him. Allow me to brush away that mask he wears and have his true self emerge. He should not hide from anyone; he should not overlook me so.

               I can help him, I know I could. But why does he ignore me? I know I am not pretty, and I am not easily noticed. But I thought he would be different from the rest, I thought he would see me.

               That mask…the mask he wears for the world, it prevents him from seeing me. His determination to remain unhurt causes him to ignore how I exist. But I would never hurt him, I would save him. He is clouded in darkness, a void from life. I just want to help him.

               But we are both but a shadow…he is a shadow of a person, not quite solid, not quite real. Too beautiful and perfect to be real. But no one is that perfect, no one can be so strong. Only a shadow could hold such a power…but then, shadows are not even living.

               I am a shadow too. I am his shadow. I watch him; follow his movements and expressions, trying to find a way to understand him, to become more than just an attached accessory. But what can a shadow of a shadow do? I cannot see him as solid, he won’t allow it.

               I always watch him as he chats with friends, a shadow of a smile gracing his features. I wonder what a true smile would look like on him, how it would pierce through our shadowed existence and allow solid light to shine; a solid life. Can such a life be designed for us? One who is ignored and the other who is seen by all, yet hidden within a mask. What can life hold for two such people, what can we expect to happen?

               Such a beautiful stranger, why won’t he allow me to see him, as he will soon see me. I will allow him to wander through my heart, see my very being. I’ll show him everything in order to let him know I exist, that I can help him. Even if he denies my help he will know I’m here. He will know how I see him and maybe, just maybe, it’s enough. It’s enough for me.

               I will tell him the truth and continue to love him from afar. He will know I exist, and that I alone see he merely wears a mask in life. I will wait for it to crumble. And I will be there to help him through the harsh reality life brings. I will always remain his shadow. And he will see me.