We Carry a Twin Inside Us

We carry a twin inside us. 

It is a shadow tethered by agreement, 

a traveler unbound by the weight of our despair. 

It asks little of us—

only the briefest acknowledgement, 

the faintest reply. 

And if we comply, 

our shadow walks the halls of our darkness, 

converting it to light. 

But neglect frees him, 

releases him against his will, 

but fully in line with his nature. 

And once released, 

he will never return.