Shadow

by Mir Yashar Seyedbagheri

Phil sees his shadow.

                    I see shadows too. Older sisters, mothers, smiles, and hugs over Zoom. Shadows of I-love-yous, words crackling, and promises to see each other soon.

                    I see shadows of Netflix binges without chill, couches too large for one.

                    And I see shadows of voluminous, yet easily drained Merlot.

                    How I see shadows of laughter. Bad jokes I once told. My sister’s nickname for me, 
Sunny. Sunsets, lavender, pink, and peach that we all danced in, Mama, Nan, and I.

                    I see myself slouching instead of striding, shadows of seconds hands that don’t tick.

                    I see my shadow.

Yash Seyedbagheri is a graduate of Colorado State University’s MFA program. His stories, “Soon,”  “How To Be A Good Episcopalian,” and “Tales From A Communion Line,” were nominated for Pushcarts. Yash’s work  has been published in The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts, Write City Magazine, and Ariel Chart, among others.

Sent to us: Feb 5, 2021