Shadow-War Hero
Once shadows were exciting!
Dark cloud shadows, with scent of coming rain ...
The shrinking shadow of a descending carrying-my-friend plane ...
Fan blade shadows, rotating over my summer reading ...
But lately, gloomy shadows have come creeping
across my mental landscape, screaming
fearfully ominous lies in my face,
as I’m forging ahead with good projects in my embrace.
"Why are you doing this at all?"
“Somebody else could do it much better than you!”
“Your efforts for good are so small
nothing worthwhile will ever come through!”
I should have slammed the door in their faces!
They now hover over me, a black umbrella in all places,
blocking the light... suffocating what’s right ....
Under their shadow, will I ever grow?
Hello, warm friend! I feel bouncing off you, the light of what’s true!
Can I grow across to you?
No. To be upright,
I, myself, have to head towards the light!
Thank you for your reflected light, it’s given me courage to fight.
I will destroy this tyrannical umbrella of lies by being wise.
When they’re not looking,
I’ll give them the boot with what’s true:
“Why are you doing this at all?"
I’m doing this because of my divine call.
over which you have no power at all!
“Somebody else could do it much better than you!”
There’s no one who’s “better” - what’s needed is my uniqueness;
but you can’t understand that - you represent mass hypnosis.
“Your efforts for good are so small -
nothing worthwhile will ever come through!"
My efforts are more than your unlawful lies, which are zero.
My source is endless good, which ultimately rules as hero.
- Jobie Townshend-Zellner
copyright 2023
Holding My Breath …
… I waited for your face to change, but your eyes
stared straight ahead as you walked to the horizon
only you could see; then you were gone.
I began to spin - you took my world with you.
I fell until the crash landing
stopped me; I came to, half-awake.
Dazed, I staggered forward.
Your voice said, “There is always a beyond.”
I stood my ground.
Once balanced and aware
I could see a path forward -
with the light of a destiny of my own.
- Jobie Townshend-Zellner
copyright 2023