Defined

Defined

Under lamp-post stars,
I paused.
For, at that moment
beneath my feet
there lay naught but shadow.
I looked above at that bulbous light;
a daunting, electric glow
loomed there, overhead:
a man-made moon.
Under this crafted globe,
I was seen for the first time
As a simple, faceless
body.

In fear (unwarranted?)
I stepped back
Lest I be the only figure illuminated
in the dark world.
Shadow fell behind me, then.
Each curve defined
upon the chalk-white stone.
(Have I disturbed the universe?
For I have dared to pass through and mar it all)
I have changed it all
if but for an instant.

I step once more through lamplight
and watch my outline fall away
for a moment
it is lost
and I am, once more
nothing but body
in light.
Yet I cannot escape myself
For I am again defined;
Though light might touch
Only half of who I am,
the other part of me is painted
to my right.