My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.

The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.

He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!

One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.


NOTE: This is a personal favorite for one reason - it's fun! Ever time I perform this poem the residents seem to react with favored smiles and laughter. The rhythm and flow of this piece are unmistakably effortless. And many residents know this poem as well. Not all of it but when I spout the first few words, they wake up and eyes come to life again. Make sure and be very expressive with this poem and jump around. Play with it. It's a fantastic and whimsical poem that begs to be given vibrant life.