Because the pitching waves
and all the raw winds
and the destruction, and the sharp shards
were merely shadows,
shapes projected on our forms

We had been frightened
thinking each dark image falling on us
was a wound, a defect, or a dread curse
that we must overcome

But then we saw the same pictures
on everyone, and started to suspect
none of these flaws
had been internal

We started to reflect
on all the light within
and we became uncowed
by flickering shadows

So we became serene —
we have no battle.
Our sight is clear, our day is clean,
and we are free.

©Wendy Mulhern
December 15, 2018