"So in everything, do to others what you
would have them do to you."
Matthew 7:12

Shadow at the Beach

Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:36 PM

My Shadow
Robert Louis Stevenson

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 at 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 an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

  1. 4 Responses to “Shadow at the Beach”

  2. By Mica on May 8, 2008 | Reply

    I have always loved this poem… sweet??? Is that your daughter or you??? Hugs, Mica

  3. By carol on May 9, 2008 | Reply

    That is my six-year-old daughter at the beach on Tuesday. I had uploaded the picture and forgot to put it with the others at the time, so when I realized that, I knew it would make a great “shadow” post!

    I should have added what L3 said recently, “Mommy, when I go in dark spots, I don’t have my shadow.”

  4. By TulipGirl on May 10, 2008 | Reply

    I love RLS. So does R9. The pic is perfect with this poem.

  5. By carol on May 11, 2008 | Reply

    C6 began to write her first poem the other day. Her line of thought was interesting.

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