Shadows

Late on a winter night
I return home, alone.
I leave the warmth
Of my car,
And step into the cold outside.
As I walk across the grass,
And hurry to get inside,
The wind bites at my legs
And twists around my neck.
In the porch light I see
From times gone past
Faint shadows of close friends:
Ghosts of distant memories.
Friends on bikes and skateboards
Waiting to go to school.
Unexpected companions
Looking for me.
Girls wearing white
Cast a strong shadow
As I walk up
To the door.
I unlock the door
And enter in.
I shut the door
Leaving the shadows
Outside my door and
Inside my head.

25 Apr 1988