When I First Met God

I was just a little toddler
Playing lively in the sun
Catching the ball mama threw,
Always energetic and on the run.

When I moved or turned about
To grab a ball flying by
A little black figure on the ground
Chased and made me cry.

Why are you crying? My mama asked.
I screamed and started to dance
The little black thing was beneath my feet
Like a wiggle-worm in a prance.

A boogey man is chasing me,
Mama, make it go away from me
Mama laughed and picked me up
Depositing me beneath a tree.

There, now it’s gone, she said.
Where did it go? I cried.
I looked everywhere in the shade of the tree
The little black thing had died.

It’s called a shadow.
It only comes out in the sun.
When you skip about in play
Your shadow will skip and run.

I don’t want a shadow, mama.
Make it go far away.
I don’t want to play with it
I don’t want it to stay.

I can’t make it go away, my sweet.
God gave it to you for a friend.
When you least expect it
God sneaks into the shadow then.

He’s always walking by your side
Or walking behind you so you can’t see
Sometimes he hides beneath your feet
Or sneaks into the shade of a tree.

The shadow is to remind you
That God is always close by
He’s your friend and companion
He’ll never say goodbye

He’ll rest in the cool shade of a tree
Slyly hide his black little form
He’ll sleep at night while you sleep
Miraculously weathering every storm.

He’ll become invisible
When you greet each new day
Waiting to go out in the sun
To run with you and play.

Mommy, I don’t like to be alone
I’ll invite God to be my friend
But if he starts playing hide and seek
I’ll spank his little rear end.

© 2007 Jeanette Cooper