~

Forgive me 

if I don't look up

as we pass on the sidewalk.

Bad enough that my step

crosses your shadow,

compromising your mana.

Bad luck for me

if it does.

I stand to lose everything.

Should our eyes meet, ali'i,

I am done for,

and if they don't, and I slight you,

I am done for.

The accuser wins.

My first uttered word of defense

will be my last.

I will pass, eyes down,

and I will sidestep your shadow.

Later,

in the dead of shadowless night,

I will gaze to my heart's content,

and should you wake to find me—

so much the better.

In the dead of shadowless night

we are equals,

and succumbing and dying

are one and the same.

For now, forgive me

if I don't look up.

For now, I have everything to lose

and nothing to gain.

~