Standing in the shadows
seen
but unseen
never quite noticed
you are there
taken for granted
taken for worthless
taken for all you have
you are there
in the shadows
standing
seen
yet unseen
hear the music
watch the dance
do the needful
never take a stand
and yet
you are there
in the shadows
standing
seen
and unseen
giving all
shouldering everything
in silence
at the edges
of periphery
seen and unseen
invisible
and yet
somehow
invincible
as well

author April Wells
published 9/3/16