When I was young
the shadow he cast was long.
When I was afraid.
In his shadow I could be brave.

Walking together
watching his shadow by mine.
I yearned for the time
like his my shadow would be long.

As the fledgling finally
flies alone from the nest.
To step away from his shadow
my time came.

One day long after
my child at my side.
Two shadows I saw.
One long joined one small.

In my thoughts
I reflected to when
the longer shadow.
My father cast.

I realized.
The time had come.
The father's shadow
now my shadow.

(04SEP97)