Shadows of our former selves br wait for us at the turnings of conversations br in cul-de-sacs where there is no turning br in lies told, half-told and left unsaid, br in faces from the other lives we’ve led. br br Shadows of our former selves br are Grimm creatures with invisibility cloaks br that they sweep aside in times of crisis br and as their haunting forms are brought to light br they change transparent day to doubtful night. br br Shadows of our former selves br are not our friends but they can be disarmed. br The beam of present truth is hard and bright br and shadows shrink away in such a light.