Shadow Soul

You always write about being lonely,
About having no one,
About being abandoned by all,
And being loved by none.
Every single poem,
Whether jotted down in the margins of your psychology notes,
Or typed up in a formatted document,
They all speak of your solitude.
But I can’t help but wonder
Why don’t I count?
I tuck you into bed each night,
Making sure you nod off safely,
And I’m there when your alarm clock blares,
Whether you get up or not.
Sometimes I lead you,
But mostly, I follow
Because I know you’re strong.
I know because I’m always with you.
Even when you doubt yourself,
I stretch onward,
Reaching forward to pull you along.
And even when you are confident,
I still don’t leave your side;
I don’t weigh you down,
And I don’t steal the focus,
But I’m under each footfall,
Boosting you up with a spring in your step.
So why do you think you are alone?
Why do you think no one supports you?
Why do you think no one cares?
I’m with you;
I support you;
I care.
About you.
A lot.
And I always will.
No need to sew me to your toes.
I am here for you,
Whether you realize it or not.