I

Much like any 7-year-old

had an imaginary friend

who loved to climb trees

who loved to sing

who could do what I couldn't

And I loved her

Because she never expected much.

But as time went by

I lost her

Because I was older

I thought she was childish

As she was fake

But she never cared.

Her silver eyes watched me go

But she never really left

She watched me laugh

Watched me cry

Whispered words in my ears

Keeping me breathing

Keeping me smiling

Even if I didn't quite realize it.

I found her one day

Sitting on a lone swing

Eyes twinking in warmth

I didn't expect

But she didn't say anything

She just gave me a pencil

And leaned her head against my shoulders

Whispering words into my ears

Telling me what my dreams really were.

The parchment shows

All of it.

My heart

Her clarity

My voice

Her hope

My empathy

Her love of life

She is my other half

My dreamcatcher

My dreammaker

My sister

My friend

My Shadow.