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!