Poems (Linn)/Shadows

by Edith Willis Linn

For works with similar titles, see Shadows.

SHADOWS.

THERE are shadows on the wall;
How they dance! now rise, now fall;
And they hold a wealth of pictures in their grim, gigantic palms,
Scenes from life's great storms and calms.

They are glancing to and fro,
All above me and below;
And they seem old friends of childhood that have seen my sweetest days,
Known my Aprils and my Mays.

In the sunniest days of June
When I heard the mock-bird's tune,
The blue sky was not so cloudless but below me on the grass
I beheld the shadows pass:

Or a bird upon the wing
Fluttered and forgot to sing,
And below his shadow floated. There are always shadows near
And my heart but holds them dear.

Ah! so many scenes arise,
Each a sweet or sad surprise;
Brought me by the magic shadows as the western colors glow
And the skies more sombre grow;

Shadows, shadows on the wall
How I love you as you fall!
Not a fear you bring my spirit, but a sweet and holy rest
And a trust that all is best.

I shall welcome you again
When you bring release from pain:
I shall dream a little longer, then your arms will compass me,
And my sleep will silent be.