light. a source of shadow

shadow - not the absence of light.
nor a container of darkness.

present due to light
divine enough to cast contrast,
gentle enough to reveal what was hidden.

not a mistake.
part of the process.

the hidden gets shaped
not only yours, but also theirs
not to be rejected, but to be seen
to invite integration, not erasure

through compassion,
we soften what was once hard.
through consciousness,
we release critique.

through awareness,
we shift from asking,
“what’s wrong?”
to asking,
“what needs rendering?”

letting the shadow stand beside the light,
allowing it stay, choosing its presence

holding together
to be more complete.

and that, to me,
is where creation becomes the creator.