The companion

Here I see my shadow
The only childhood companion of this life. 
As it happened at the spring fair—
I walked, it walked; I walked not, it ceased to walk.  
All the letters that people wrote to me 
With the hue of thumping heart,
My shadow would read them too,
And say, "See, the unspoken words 
Only fit in letters."
When I cried out in despair, 
Seeing the worries of people 
Heading to their destinations,
It said, 'You've brought a return ticket with you friend 
Remember, people are not meant to be held onto.'
I have lived by this truth, and etched it in my heart 
Thus, no friendships have ever bloomed 
With human souls.
My shadow and I…
After one sea-full moon,
At long last my story will fade away. 
Sitting by my grave,
My only childhood friend,
With a hand on its cheek, will ponder—
'Might such a bond ever form 
With anyone else in this world?
Ever?'

Dr Shiblee Shahed is a public health specialist, essayist, poet, and translator. His debut poetry collection was published in 2013 by Shuddhashar Publications. His poems and articles have appeared in numerous national and international outlets. He is a regular contributor to The Daily Star, The Business Standard, and The Daily Observer.