Shadows

It’s not when the shadows fall

Or when the crowds gather

When my dad said no

When she said no

When the publishers say no

When my prayers say no

When my check says no

When my neighbors say no

When the bloody streets, officers say no

When life seems to hate

Even the most primitive inkling of an idea of you

That’s not when I finally let the negatives in

No

The rain makes a hardier man

The hunger makes a quicker man

The storm makes a resourceful man

The loneliness makes a more loving man

It’s when everyone’s shouting my name

And telling me I’ve done a good job

When they’re clapping and lauding

It’s more yay than nay

Snapping than retorting

It’s when I’ve made it

That I realize I haven’t