My first poem, The Committee of Fools and the Shadow

The Committee of Fools and the Shadow
by Michael W. Gifford
dedicated to Anne & Doug
and to my own Shadow

“Do this, do that, just listen to us,”
They cry from within.
“We know everything, and anything,
If we don’t you don’t need it.”

Thus the Committee of Fools has kept
me away from me all my life.
“No more you knaves…shut your mouths
I will not listen, give me silence.”

Out of the silence comes a still small voice,
“I’m here, I care, I’m you too!”
“But why have I never heard you, who are you?”
“They tried to drown me, so did you.”

“I love you…I know you had to survive,
but now you want more than that,
and so do I-I can help…please let me show you,
the other side, the embondaged you.”

I am your shadow…I am your power,
Unlike Hyde, I’m a beautiful bloke.
I just need air, and light, and hope,
Let us grow together once more.”

“You’re naked, you’re bleeding, your eyes how they wince.”
“I was left to die, but I won’t quit.”
“Let me nurse you and help you, how could I have left you?”
“You had no choice, but together we go…

Upward, onward, away from the past.”
“You’re beautiful, all clothed at last.”
“So are you as you wipe my tears.
I love you, as I knew I someday would.”

Together we go, my Shadow and I
Together in peace and harmony.
But what of the Committee of Fools?
Peace and Silence are not their game

While the Shadow and I go on our way,
The Committee of Fools continue to chatter.
But not with us, and no longer
Will they separate me from me.