Scary Shadow on the Wall

The morning sun slants soft and wide,
a shadow flickers on the side,
an arm, a hand, upon the wall,
its shape uncertain, strange, and tall.

A little gasp, a startled cry,
she turns and runs beneath the sky,
her brother laughs, “It’s just a game!”
but feels her fear and calls her name.

They tumble out through golden light,
across the yard, their steps take flight,
she hides her face against his chest,
her heartbeat wild, then slows to rest.

Behind them, in the brightened hue,
their father follows, laughing too,
his shadow long upon the ground,
his voice a warm, familiar sound.

The world feels safe again, so small,
just sun and fields and love’s soft call,
the wall now bright, no ghosts remain,
just daylight, laughter, and the plain.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 309 October 6 , 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕