The why of shadows.

some people know the why of shadows

of bracing light and casting darkness

I wish I had a photograph of her face

the only thing visible in the deepest dark

white light offering up her laugh to the sky

while shadows moved around her

so I could know the why of shrieking joy

of moments that feel solid: this is what I want to remember

her dancing father, her spinning laugh

and a small hand cupped quietly in mine

forgetting all the shadows.