Shade

When a child sees me

They see a reflection of themselves

Parents witness familiar interactions

"Come on! Let's go home"

They draw the child away

Proffering up red herrings & empty distractions

Evil. Wretched. Get away!

Children grow and soon forget

And, I sink again into sweet oblivion

I am the lock & key

Finger against pursed lips

Frequency beneath the pendulum

The people blame me for their crimes

Though they forget my face

Yet, I take it all just the same

My eyes are older than the trees

My voice more silent than a breeze

My essence unbounded by a name

Oh sweet oblivion

What few mortals 

Dare ride out beyond the sea?

On the shores they stay

Far far away

And never really search for me

But, here am I

Here I'll be

Speaking through the Poet's page

I am beyond Time

Just to be seen by the seeker

Is my only desirable wage