We are happy to share yet another submission from our 2025 WGI Invite to Write Challenge! 

Last summer, we asked our talented cohorts to create a piece on this prompt: Write a story where the end is also the beginning.

Next up, we are sharing Michelle Dumont’s poem entitled, “Still There In The Shadow.” Stay tuned, as we will continue posting the submissions throughout the winter!

Still There In The Shadow

The rising sun streamed through the window and illuminated, for a moment, that old photo. 

The one of us at Julia’s house just before we got married. 

Then the light moved on 

slid slowly down the dresser, 

melted across the carpet, 

retreated back, 

out the window. 

I wished I could catch it, curl up 

on the floor in the stream of that warmth. 

Time slipping. 

Warmth. 

Out the window. 

Us, 

still there in the shadows. 

Less distinct in the dimness. 

I could no longer see if we were smiling. 

You were smiling, weren’t you? 

In the photo? 

Could I get closer? 

I wrestled with the sheets that tangled me 

in uncomfortable repose. 

You came in and you asked 

why I had got out of bed and I said: 

The rising sun streamed through the window and illuminated, for a moment, that old photo.