Dear Reader

Ooooo... this is clever. I like how it's a message from the shadow, who compliments her for her brightness and light. Like, the very fact that it's from her shadow gives that statement even more credence. After all, if she didn't have that brightness or light, the shadow wouldn't even exist!

It reminds me of that quote from Bulgakov's Master and Margarita...

“But would you kindly ponder this question: What would your good do if
evil didn't exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows
disappeared? After all, shadows are cast by things and people. Here is the
shadow of my sword. But shadows also come from trees and living beings. Do you want to strip the earth of all trees and living things just because
of your fantasy of enjoying naked light? You're stupid.”

...obviously the sentiment is slightly different here, but still! The shadow's existence is not possible without the person's light, and I definitely like that kind of symbiotic relationship nodded to in this poem.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

This genuinely made me teary eyed. Hello kagehana13! This is Alex, here to drop a review on the behalf of Team Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I'm so glad I decided to partake in this October's Review Day, otherwise how would I have come across this masterpiece? Without further delay, let's dive right in.

Interestingly, I wrote a very similar poem recently. Though mine was focussed on darkness as a whole. It's actually a pre NaPo week entry in my thread named 'eerie love' (though this one wasn't particularly about romance in any way). I think the similiarity is what subconsciously drew me here. Feel free to check it out if it interests you. Back to the poem, now.

I am attached to you at the heel

Oh I like the attention to detail here! It really aids the imagery and rolls off the tounge quite beautifully.

I see you
When others don’t

So real! True words indeed.

I see the way you avoid being in pictures,
Always offering to take the group photo
Just so you don’t have to be in it

Ouch, I felt these lines! They appear so personal but are universally applicable to a lot of us. You capture and weave the reality in your amazing verses so neatly, I'm entranced.

I feel the way your spirit dims
When others get compliments on their appearance
And you don’t

Still can't believe you don't have a camera directed at me all times. Speaking of technical things, I do think the second line was 'dangling' a bit but I've seen you have used it as a pattern in the later lines as well. So it might just be better to leave it as it is. BUT if you were thinking of trimming it even, I have a suggestion-

I feel the way your spirit dims
When others get compliments
On their looks, And you don’t

I agree it's not perfect so I'll leave it completely upto you!

I know how kind,
How selfless you are
You brighten each room you walk in
You make the world a better place
Even if you don’t see it
Even when the world doesn’t see you,
Doesn’t appreciate you
For the light you bring into it

This has got to be my favourite part. The lines are so meaningful and vulnerable. I feel the 'it' endings bring such a subtle rhythm to the peace. The understanding conveyed by the characters of shadow is extremely comforting. It's heartwarming to see an overlooked person being so appreciated, even if it's from a shadow. The perspective is rather unique and adds your own originality to the theme.

Someone will come into your life
And notice the light in you
That no one else sees

An extremely hopeful thought! It sounds like the shadow is wishing this for its master, a mortal who loves and cherishes them as much as it does. The unwavering certainty in these lines amused me. The shadow seems entirely sure of this event's occurance and that firm faith sure makes a bold statement.

Dear Reader
I will be there
To watch you get the happy ending you’ve seen others receive
The happy ending you never thought
You were deserving of

The first line hit me like a speeding train! Like I almost forgot the title altogether and that's when you know the narrative is so captivating. All this time, the shadow has been speaking to [I]me[\i] . No wonder I found it this relatable!

About the happy ending, it's a really sensitive line as well. My minor complaint about the structure holds but this format has it's own charm. Here's an alternate version though, just in case you like it better-

To watch you get the happy ending
That you have seen your friends receive
One you thought you weren't deserving of

Because I’ve always known
That your inner star
Shines brighter than any other I’ve seen
Even if your traitorous mind tries to dim it

Acknowledging the reader's insecurities and yet praising them sincerely, soothingly beautiful.

In conclusion, I think you have an innate talent at writing words that impact. Your poem pierced right through my hard. Your writing is simple and that's what ensures it can be appreciated by a larger audience. This poem, in particular, narrates the reality of being invisible as naturally as breathing. The experiences mentioned are extremely relatable to the majority and forms a connection with the reader. You're telling people what they need to hear, and that it is a great deed in itself. I could feel the shadow speaking right to me. It fixed something in me I didn't know was broken. A wonderful read, it was my pleasure to review it for you. I wish you well in your future projects and this has been amazing. Completely worth my time.



Signing off
Alex