Shadow Work
I once started a painting
but with where I was standing
the morning light cast
my own shadow onto the canvas.
Without thinking,
I began painting it,
first an outline, then
color and shading
for depth, without thinking.
The painting now stands
against the wall in my study
where I see it every day,
my shadow, looking back at me.
Now, I don’t remember
what I first wanted to paint.
I only know what came to be,
what I now see.
--Stuart Higginbotham
Thank you for taking the time to read this reflection. These are all free, of course, because they came from somewhere else in the first place. I’m grateful for Grace Episcopal Church where I can be a priest, to continue to stretch, grow, and offer poetry.
If you found this meaningful, feel free to share with a friend or two…anything to help in uncertain days. You can subscribe and I’ll send things straight to you next time.
To learn more about Grace and share in life here, you can explore our podcast. You’ll be able to spend time with Brandon and Meg, too, and see Mike’s incredible work—and that is well worth your time.
Blessings, Stuart