jan oskar hansen - self worth

Self-worth.

My shadow which usually walks behind me
was suddenly in front of me walking very
fast, then running, disappearing down a hill.
I was left in the open alone and fearing for
my life. Asked an olive tree if I could borrow
its shadow; the old tree had been around for
hundred of years, seen grown men succumb,
going insane having lost their true shadows.
As the olive’s silhouette followed me home
my confidence grew to the point that I told
a few jokes that it didn’t get, when I had to
explain the hilarity it wasn’t funny anymore.

My own shadow came home late, reeking of
wine, was sorry… but I can’t live without it.

jan oskar hansen

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/self-worth-2/