Into the Cool Shadows

by Christine Waldman

Dampened and muted

Beige in hue

How else can I

Traverse the sharp places

And dark hollows

When my colors are florescent,

The sharper the sting

So I peek out a moment

And only feel a glancing blow

Long enough to know

I long for vibrant shades

But usually can only endure

Pastels

But lately, I find that I can stare

Longer

And that I'm brave enough

To endure a full-on rainbow

And still be left standing

Those colors now are seared

Into my brain and wrap around

My spine

I will sometimes duck back down

Into the cool shadows

To check my limbs

And see if I am still

Intact

And maybe next time

I won't stay down there

So long

***

Christine Waldman has had several essays published in Rebelle Society, Phlmetropolis, and Delaware Beach Life Magazine. Christine used her writing skills as a tool of self-expression and survival through turbulent times as a single mother of three. Through poetry, humorous essays, as well as four full length novels, she has emerged with most of her sanity and all of her sense of humor intact.