hopefulI saw a shadow pass
With subtle charm,-
So quick, so full of life,
With thrilling joy so rife,
I started lest, unknown,
My step - ere it was flown -
Had done it harm.
Why look up to the blue?
The bird was gone, I knew,
Far out of sight.
Steady and keen of wing,
The slight, impassioned thing,
Intent on a goal unknown,
Had held its course alone
In silent flight.
Dear little bird, and fleet,
Flinging down at my feet
Shadow for song:
More sure am I of thee -
Unseen, unheard by me -
Than of some things felt and known,
And guarded as my own,
All my life long.
- Shadow-Evidence by Mary Mapes Dodge
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