The Shadows

The Shadows

Icy shivers run down my spine as I dodge to evade fleeing shadows—

These chaotic turbulences swirl about, with their dances of dark delight.

Turning on the lights, does not diminish their presence,

They flee to linger in the corners, plotting how to best reemerge.

Even light seems now dimmer, as I walk with them fully on.

Though they remain subdued, diluted in appearance

With every step I take, only casts further shadows on the walls.

Such a dark world it seems, even dark in my own life—

How can one soul become a light, to pierce this darkest of the night?

I dare to ask the questions, to peer deep into the menacing maw,

And reject their silly notions of gaining authority of my life.

But still the shadows linger, as I chase them to and fro –

From wherever they have come from, and to wherever they may go.

It is still all a mystery, from what plans that may be--

But I do declare with great weakness, depending fully on His strength

That the lord of this present age will not gain mastery over me,

For I serve the one true LORD that will rule forever in the next.

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By Greg Butz

April 24, 2009

I wrote this after arriving home from school one day, to dark shadows. They seemed to leap out at me as I arrived. I jotted down the first line and later reflected upon this occurrence. It is possible that it was just the wind and the trees from outside, but we also do fight against an enemy that is not flesh and bones. Today, I have been drained as I fight against the perceptions of others. Though my flesh may be weak, and at times I feel emotionally broken, still I know that I must press forward to become that light talked about in 2 Corinthians chapter four.