My Shadow
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow –
Not all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all.
He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see;
I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like and arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
From “A Child’s Garden of Verses” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Kezzie reminded me of it the other day as she discovered her shadow in the park.
How gorgeous! I’ve had fun with Mira, jumping on our shadows and me squealing when she jumps on mine, as if it hurts. What a delightful poem.
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What a fun way to play with shadows, Juliet. I will remember that. I thought of Stevenson’s poem when we were out and about at the park this day.
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You are making very special memories with this precious girl.
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Thank you, Marilyn. We are trying. It’s hard when they are far away, but, with that, come new opportunities for concentrated time. Life is grand.
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I have two darling “shadows” who love to play with their shadows. I think it’s time for me to share the poem with them! I and love the way you’ve presented the extreme pleasure of being a child–precious photos! Debra
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Thank you, Debra. It is a lovely poem. You might want to get a copy of A Child’s Garden of Verses by Stevenson. There are some lovely editions, my favorite one being illustrated by Tasha Tudor. It is a good way to introduce our little shadows to poetry.
What an interesting website and concept you and your friends have. I’m glad you commented and will look forward to reading your posts.
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Awweee….our little Kezzie is growing up so fast:)! So sweet. Loved the poem and pictures!
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Isn’t she? I just knew she would go from crawl to run, and she did, all with the same glee! There are more pictures to share, Jennifer. Yea!
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I love your little shadow. Of course the poem has always been a favorite of mine. Your little shadow will someday look forward to staying with her Grandma that can read beautiful stories, make her giggle, and has a beautiful garden to enjoy.
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You gladden my heart Janet. Thank you. I do so hope my little shadow will look forward to all this. Our little trip was a very good trip for grandparents.
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She is adorable and having so much fun.
I was trying to remember that rest of that verse not so long ago, looking at some pictures of the great-grands and shadows. Child’s Garden.. was always a favorite read-aloud book (both a million years ago when I listened and almost half a century ago when I read.) I think I’ll order up a copy of it for my granddaughter to read to the boys!
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Thank you, Sallie. Isn’t it funny how the poem comes to mind all these years later? There are several lovely illustrated books of the Child’s Garden of Verses. I’m sure your great grandsons would enjoy one, as well as your granddaughter. Wow! What a grand life life, indeed.
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Penny, someone gave me a Child’s Garden of Verses on my eighth birthday and I loved it so! A beautiful little girl, and a lovely post which means a lot to me. Thanks.
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What a wonderful birthday gift, Kate. Thank you. She is a sweetie and we had so much fun with her. You are quite welcome.
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Wow, look how big she is, and the hair, beautiful golden curls, what a cutie she is, can’t wait to see more pictures. Great poem…
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I know. She is growing fast and has more curls every time I see her. Thank you, Sharon.
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I love this poem! Anton had a favorite picture book of poems when he was little that I read so many times I can’t begin to count and this was one of my favorites. I think I know a good part of it by heart. Kezzie is adorable, I can imagine the fun you’re having with her!
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I can just imagine Anton’s love of poetry growing from the picture book of poems, Janet. You probably could recite most of it. Sad to say, I remembered part of it, but, Mr. Google had to help me out with the whole thing (which is silly because I have a Child’s Garden of Verses right here).
Thank you. She is so much fun – a joy.
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