The now-reclining shadow

The old man sits still on his porch chair,
Observing his now-reclining shadow and wondering
Wondering about how it’s evolved overtime

He realizes he was too busy to bother as an adult.
He hurried through life without taking the time to look.
To observe.
His shadow desperately followed him,
Only to become temporarily dependent on another.
It endlessly attempted to stay connected to him
Without being noticed.

The old man then goes back in time,
As a child.
The period in which his shadow was constantly moving
Changing shapes with each passing day,
With each passing moment
The child was the only one that bothered to appreciate
The dark silhouette either following him
Or leading the way
He was the only one to question the nature.
He observed,
Tried to grasp with his hands
This unceasing presence
But ended up feeling the harsh ridges of the pavement

He grew up
With so many unanswered questions
Endless voices in his head
That he turned out neglecting
And now the sun is setting
And the shadow disappearing
He wishes he could only observe it a moment more
But he missed his chance.