Cast A Forward Shadow Poem by Fergal Dunne

I travelled the very long road of regret,
Going backwards in my mind.
Despite sleep and rest, my body ached.
No wise words would de-rail me
As I sought to undue the wrongs
I had inflicted upon myself.
In actual fact I had stood still,
As the sun cast a long thin shadow behind me.
Teardrops fell on my dusty boots
I had been motionless for hours.
But now I could see it stretch before me.
Like a silver sun dial
I had traversed time itself,
And in time,
I had found,
I would have to undo the wrongs others had done.
Then my body and mind would be free.
I was not alone but had created loneliness.
Tomorrow I would cast a new shadow
One which broke a smile
Across barren land and bare trees.
The discovery of the truth
Was beyond the bold shimmering horizon.
I must cast a forward shadow
If I was to cross the desert sands.