Shadows

It lingers faintly where you're scarred
Transforms your hope into despair
Makes you relive all your nightmares
There is a shadow in your mind
It dwells in thoughts that paralyze
Twists your ambition into fear
Makes you content to settle here
There is a shadow in your spine
That freezes you in desperate times
When you stand tall for your beliefs
You find no strength, you've grown too weak
There is a shadow in your soul
It seizes you and won't let go
Drowns you in grief and shackled rage
Ensnares you in a self-wrought cage
But you are illuminated-
Bright and blazing, inside
Your glow grows faded
As the shadows cast over your life
And they cloak the power in your mind
It's veiled in shade, where light can't shine
This phantom power to decide