Light and Shadow

Kneeling by the side of a stream I bowed to the clear waters Shadows danced in the deep Sparkle of gold on the surface The brook babbled and shone As light and shadow slithered I spread my arms and clenched my fists I listened and I closed my eyes To recognize the balance I recalled the words of ancient seers The council of the dead The advice of the living I raised my hands, unclenched my fists The shadow slithered away Dazzling in its shining green A living tree was drawn With specks of light and streaks of shadow Seizing the light in my hand I weighed the shadow in another Heavy as a mountain they were Each lighter than a feather I spread my arms and clenched my fists I listened and I closed my eyes To recognize the balance I recalled the words of ancient seers The council of the dead The advice of the living I raised my hands, unclenched my fists The shadow slithered away Rising up to stand once more So tiny under the great trees I spied the treetops high above The meander of their branches I spread my arms and clenched my fists I listened and I closed my eyes To recognize the balance I recalled the words of ancient seers The council of the dead The advice of the living The light took wing and flew The shadow slithered away