Shadow-Evidence

Swift o’er the sunny grass,     I 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.