Shadows

So what does it mean... the word "shadow" ?

Shadow, a word that has been used in many contexts.

The most common usage is , of course, your own shadow- shadow as a noun. The patch that forms when you stand in front of a light source, or just around it. Or even below it, such as the sun. It's simply something else that just accompanies you, not really of any significance. Or to some weirdos, it's an odd figure to talk to, just like the image in the mirror ( which some motivational speakers actually suggest you do- but not to your shadow, for some reason)

To " shadow" someone- meaning " shadow" as a verb, is to stalk them, to follow them undetected. Nobody must know you are following them, and even if they realise it, they must not know it is you. To be there, without them knowing you are there. Spooky, but probably derived from the original noun, since nobody really cares whether their shadow is there or not.

A " shadow" of a doubt- meaning only a hint, a whiff of suspicion, or what not. In this context, shadow, again, implies insignificance- not invisibility, but insignificance, so small yet large enough for you to think about it. A tiny tiny thought...

A " shadow" of your former self- in this case, it only means you are pathetic compared to what you used to be. Again it refers to the noun " shadow", as the shadow is only a shape of darkness, of the original figure... it has no substance, and will not vanish, but is nothing at all.

Why am I suddenly talking about all this? I feel it refers to me... to what I'm becoming, doing, or what I am. All of them, in some way, perhaps, apply to me, or at least the last one... I'm slowly fading, fading away... losing any purpose, direction, or whatever I had if at all...... I have nothing to say, no substance at all...

A shadow, to fade in the morning sun....