Darkness is only born in light

Through shadows.

These shadows abound

Only behind

An obstruction to that light.

When the light collides into something

That is simply impervious

To both light and dark

Even light is stopped in its tracks.

And where light cannot reach,

darkness reigns.

And so shadows are made;

Darkness

Adjacent to

Light

But with an unbreakable

Barrier

Between.

But what of the shadows

That lurk in the deepest reaches

Of the human heart?

The heart is drawn to light,

And craves it. Joy. Love. Peace.

But what of those shadows?

What of that darkness that breeds out of sight?

For hearts born in laughter and light,

How did this darkness survive?

What are those walls made of

That are impervious to the light

That would dispel the dark?

Is it perception? Prejudice?

Walls of memories of hurt and grief?

Some other strong belief?

Perception is weak

And subject to change.

Prejudice cannot exist without

Fear or hate

Which is darkness itself

And cannot withstand light.

Memories can be easily

Created, lost, forgotten, changed.

And belief? The heart is deceitful;

Overflowing with conviction

In one moment

And doubting itself the next.

So what is it that keeps the shadows alive?