THE StRaNgER

My Shadow

By Lisa Eva Gold

My shadow is the reflection I see of me.

It is my silhouette that follows me.

Let's take a deeper look.

We have a face we want to hide away from. Turn the other cheek just to be sleek.

We don't want to reflect. We forget that we deserve self-respect.

Take a look at the dark shadows we call shame, blame-don't refrain from labeling, or you'll go insane.

Shake out the carpet from underneath your feet. Get up, stand up, take yourself on. You get an award for holding it all together-for being strong.

There is no judgment here. It's time to repair. The reflection in the mirror says, Take care.

You can't comb a mirror with feelings of being bitter. They say time heals all, when NOW is the best of times to uncover these flaws.

So take inventory. The rooms inside need renovation. Use your imagination. No need for a bank account activation. Self-esteem has no vacation.

Welcome the inner StRangER. This may feel awkward. I bet that you will get to uncover a part of you that you never knew. Now is the time. You are well overdue.

Be proud of YOU.

Meet the StRangER as you walk about with your own shadow that stands out.