shadow friend

his back against
cold wet bricks
scoffed tennis shoes
untied
dried blood
a big toe
peers through
empty cold space
all around him

darkness comes
a single light ray
the street lamp
gives him comfort
his shadow
now keeps him company
in quiet discomfort
he smiles at it
it understands him

dreads the light of day
smirks, sneers, stares
thrown his way
replacing the smile
he shares with his
night time friend