National Adult Literacy Database

June 16, 1997

The following story was written by Therese Rossiter. Therese attended Community Headways in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba in 1994-1995. She is now a full-time student at Arthur Meighen School and plans to graduate this year. "It took a lot of courage for me to go back to school at age 38, but I am glad I did it." Therese is the single parent of 4 year old Justin. She enjoys writing short stories and poetry.

THE SHADOW OF DARKNESS

by Therese Rossiter

It's dark in here,

It hurts in this room,

That shadow that follows,

I have lost my shadow.

Along the way to where,

But was stopped by hands,

Too many hands I know not of.

I must get out of here,

This dark of shadows,

For I cannot take anymore,

I am red, blue, purple, and black,

All over it hurts too much.

Oh, please stop for I may die,

Your whips, sticks, and tongues,

I shall not take no more,

Yes take them away from here.

The shadow of darkness,

Is no more,

For now I am free,

To live a more,

Peaceful life.

[Permission to use this poem was granted by Community Headways, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba].