charcoal sketch by Terence McManus PLANTING MY FEET IN THE SHADOWS At nine years old I was either a dreamer Or superstitious, Or odd; Following Randi’s steps, I planted my feet In my friend’s invisible footprints; The shadow of her being. Could I transport into her world? Her golden tendrils become mine? Her dimpled smile, mine? Her perfect home, mine? Minor misstep-- It couldn’t happen, but Dreaming could. As I climbed her steps My hand grasped the iron railing Where her fingers touched Marching behind, Synchronized. Up to her pink room Dappled with dancing daisies and rose ribbons, Everything my room was missing. I watched her mother part Randi’s hair Into a straight line Then gather her waves into bouncy pigtails. Randi twirled them around like propellers And they laughed. Was it strange to love my friend so much To want to be her mirror image? Would I follow her Into her ba...