I had a copy of Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses when I was a kid, and I remember reading the poem “My Shadow.” It must have made a great impression on me, because I can still recite the first two lines. (Okay, maybe not all that impressive, but I do remember what the poem was about.) It came to mind this week, as Peter’s here. So, I reworked the poem to describe my shadow.
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is very plain to see.
He is very like his grandad, from his heels up to his head;
His eyes are blue, his skin is fair, and look, his hair is red!
The wondrous thing about him is the way he likes to grow—
First-a baby and I rocked him and I sang him songs to know.
He rolled over, then he crawled, and then he stood and walked away.
Now he jumps and climbs up stairs, and he feeds himself each day.
He knows with great precision how children ought to play,
He sings songs and tells some stories, and he helps me, in his way.
He stays so close beside me, that I can’t finish my chores;
We play and eat and read, and he says, “More, Mimi, more!”!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
I thought my little shadow would be soundly sleeping, but,
I looked in and I heard these words: “Hi, Mimi! I waked up!”
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me.
We laugh and play and work and, no, I’m never, ever free
From his ever-present presence. Yes, he’s always at my side.
It’s like that every day, indeed, until Granddad arrives.
Exalt the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion! For He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your children within you.
Psalm 147:12-13 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Oh, we are so blessed.
JOY!
Your little shadow man is a seed you planted years and years ago–he has been nurtured thru 100’s a little pitter-patters at Calvary Baptist Church.
REAP! You are a Wise One.
Thank you. It’s a wonderful experience, with other folks’ kids and now with a grandchild. I just feel fortunate about it all.
Love this, Gayle! How very precious are these little shadows!!
We’re so blessed, aren’t we!
Oh! This is so sweet! I went back and read the”real” poem and I think Robert Lewis would be proud—of both you AND Peter! You’ve given Peter three beautiful gifts; first your complete love, second, your undivided, creative attention and third, this wonderful keepsake that puts his special times with you into words! Lucky boy! Lucky you! What a treasure.
We are lucky, aren’t we! And I know you’re planning all sorts of extraordinary experiences for your own little shadow, too.
Sharing yours & David’s well deserved joy! What a blessing for all! love, S.
Love to you, also.