Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Frank DempsterSherman

1375 The Shadows

ALL up and down in shadow-town

The shadow children go;

In every street you ’re sure to meet

Them running to and fro.

They move around without a sound,

They play at hide-and-seek,

But no one yet that I have met

Has ever heard them speak.

Beneath the tree you often see

Them dancing in and out,

And in the sun there ’s always one

To follow you about.

Go where you will, he follows still,

Or sometimes runs before,

And, home at last, you ’ll find him fast

Beside you at the door.

A faithful friend is he to lend

His presence everywhere;

Blow out the light—to bed at night—

Your shadow-mate is there!

Then he will call the shadows all

Into your room to leap,

And such a pack! they make it black,

And fill your eyes with sleep!