Love Our Shadows?

How is that possible?
Love the parts
 of us
We hide in the dark
Hoping others do not notice?

Love our shadows?
How is that possible?
It would require
Attention
Loving, compassionate
Attention
To the pieces of us
Which we wish to deny.

Love our shadows?
Illuminate those corners
Where our wounds
Recline
Deep within
Hidden away in shame
How is that possible?

Love our shadows?
What does that ask of us?
To let go of our ego
And allow humility
To take the reigns
To fully embrace our humanity
With all its foibles 
and weaknesses.

Love our shadows?
To extend a hand of friendship
With understanding,
Sincere love
And compassion
To that vulnerable person
Cowering in the corner
Of our inmost being
Fearing exposure
And admonishment
How is that possible?

To love our shadows
In truth
Would be to more wholly 
Love ourselves
Thereby freeing us
To love others
Just as they are
Allowing compassion and love 
To be our driving force
Releasing our 
Our shields
Of ego, judgement and control

Love our shadows?
Yes, it is possible
One step
One peek
One glance
One hand reaching out 
One beam of illumination
At a time
With faith
In our Loving Creator
to be a presence
alongside our tremulous selves
to bring the love
and shine the light.