We Cast a Shadow (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

We Cast a Shadow
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Sunday, March 20, 2022 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- We Cast a Shadow -- John Herlihy We cast a shadow. What does it mean? Why does the light glow? The shadows only demean. A shadow mimics and mocks, Follows wherever we may go. Even its silence at times talks, Dark threads into light sew. Shadows in morning elongated, At midday they disappear. Midafternoon truncated, At sunset, they reappear. The shadow thrives in sun, Under clouds, they go away. In brightness on the run, In winter, shadows rule the day. The shadow reminds us, That we have another self. The shadow binds us, Living within us as an elf. I once asked my shadow: At night where do you go? “Look to the moonglow, And then you will know.” Shadows killed by the darkness, But what kills the dark? Only the day with its lightness, The shadows return as a lark. Fight with your own shadow, And it will fight back with you. Try to flee from your shadow, It will fly after you to pursue. Arrive in the shadows of night, In the morning to leave as shade. Impossible to enter into the light, Only thru the shadow to wade. In the shadow of my days, I may lose sight of the hour. By the light of my ways, My days gain special power. Some will pursue a shadow kiss, In the darkness, sight unseen. A shadow offers but shadow bliss, Amounting to nothing to mean. The shadow stands as a symbol, Noble in its stately grace. Ever sprightly, ever nimble, Has everything but a face. Indeed, the shadow has no identity, Unless we give to it free reign. Leave it in the shadows, a mystery, Where it can battle itself in vain. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Tuesday 10 August 2021

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on March 25, 2022

I THINK IT'S HOW WE PERCIEVE OUR SHADOW. FOR ME MY SHADOW REMINDS ME THAT I'M NEVER ALONE AND GOD IS ALWAYS WITH ME. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on March 21, 2022

Another thorough examination of a particular phenomenon that we all have experienced in many different ways. I think in some cases, a bit of overkill like a shadow becoming an elf. When shadows become shade during the hunt of the day they are a blessing. But when shadows certainly cross the path of someone fearful it could be a predator coming close. And, in the case of the man standing in the doorway, we can see the long shadow but our eyes could not see who it is that is coming through our door.

Ron

Reviewed by Mystic Rose

We all have our shadows, they are there for a reason dear John, your poetry is always intriguing, have a blessed day

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

Reviewed on March 20, 2022

Just think of it this way:

Your shadow is your most loyal friend. It follows you wherever you want to go and never argues with you on everything you wish to do. It rejoices when it sees you happy and consoles you when it feels you're sad.

Your shadow will never leave you. Everyone may abandon you, but not your shadow. It keeps you company at your loneliest, for it's your friend 'til the end.

Sandie

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

You've penned the triumphant treatise of the subject of Shadow and given it your inimitable touch. Well done.