Happy Shadow

Leaves on the overhead branches cast shadows on the sidewalk.
Interesting that we treat the making of a shadow as the act,
The shadow is cast.
When it is the light, that is the agent of action.
The shadow is what we see if the light cannot reach the earth.

Nonetheless, it is the shadow that draws my attention.
There, on the sidewalk before me, it is right, it belongs.
The sun is shining, leafy branches hang above me.
There should be leafy shadow-shapes.

Another shadow moves before me.
My shadow.
It draws my mind to the present,
Evidence that I am here.

I am content, I belong here.
I fit in with the world around me.
I walk on, my shadow merging with the shadow of the leaves.
Just one happy shadow.