Excision

I'd grown accustomed
to feeling you there -
A mild discomfort deep inside
So subtle I hardly noticed
  how I adjusted to your presence,
  the way I'd shift my movements
  to avoid the pangs of you.

Then I woke,
and you were just gone.
Your absence declared itself
  like a torn off bandage
  or a clean slate.
Suddenly I'm just me again,
whole and unfettered.

I never realized I was in your shadow
until you moved out of my light.