Shadows

Before the time of moon and tides

giants walked the steaming swamps

and shadows followed

whether by sunlight, moon

or darkness

before the time of men and after

just beyond the boundary,

at the mystical edge, between the worlds

behind the trees, and the boulders in the river

ethereal phantoms appear  briefly

then slip away rushing before the light,

reminders of those that wait in the night

huddled in caves, sitting next to fire

chanting the shaman’s dreams

giving the illusion of protection