There is a me you would not recognize, dear.  Call it the shadow of myself…”  –Over The Rhine

there is a me you would not recognize
a me that writhes in sadness
a me that is more than the color of my skin
a me that is just like you
a me that sees your scars

there is a pain you would not recognize
a pain that wrenches my heart
a pain that threatens the hope that gives me breath
a pain that has aged my soul a century
a pain that tells me you hurt too

there is a darkness you would not recognize
a darkness that shrouds my soul
a darkness that makes me curse and question
a darkness that trembles me with rage
a darkness that taunts the Light I seek

there is a fear you would not recognize
a fear that joy will never replace grief
a fear that I may never lavish all I have to give
a fear that You will always stay silent
a fear that my hope is in vain

there is a me you would not recognize
the me underneath this skin
the pain behind this laughter
the darkness deep in these eyes
the fear behind this strength…
call it the shadow of myself