My Shadow

from February 2007

Old photo's stir up memories
two boys dressed identical,
with nerdy vests and a bow-tie
mom thought it was so cute,
but we couldn't wait to play in the dirt.
in the back yard, baseball hats on
i had the bat, you had the ball,
you came with me everywhere,
just like my shadow on a sunny day.
two bikes, four wheels, matching smiles
we could ride for hours on old trails,
in the forest where we'd build secret forts
I was always two steps ahead,
But you were right there behind me.
Guarding my back with all you had
Years came between us, I grew up
You stayed a child.
Those two steps multiplied,
Until they turned to miles.
Now my shadow’s in a different city
All grown up, just like me,
two nerdy vests in storage,
two old bow-ties lost
two old bicycles sold,
but the memories remain,
the shadow of my shadow,
still just 2 steps behind,
with matching smiles
in my mind.