My Shadow

A Story by Jenni Bailey

Everyone has a shadow. A shadow is the outline of the body, and it shows in the sunlight, and sometimes in the darkest of places. I feel that my shadow holds more than just an outline of my body. My trauma lives within my shadow. Along with my shadow, my trauma goes wherever I go. It shapes how I live my life. The things with shadows are, you can’t see the broken heart, the tears, the eyes that are tired, the mouth that lashes out, a smile that’s questioned and the hurt feelings and emotions that penetrate the soul. My shadow holds a story, but I’m the only one who can tell that story.