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Shadows
In this thoughtful poem, Patience Strong reminds us that even when life feels dark, light is never far away.
Shadows by Patience Strong is a poem of encouragement that reminds us not to fear the darker moments in life. A shadow only appears because light is nearby, even when we do not notice it right away.
When worries and difficulties weigh on us, it can be hard to see beyond what we are facing. This poem gently reminds us to be patient, look for the light, and remember that things are not always as dark as they may first seem.
Updated August 18, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Shadows
Poet: Patience Strong
The candlelight flings funny shapeless shadows on the wall
And when I put the candle out the queer moon-shadows fall
The sun casts shadows on the lawn when there are trees around
Like stripes of blackness painted on the green and shining ground...
And in the country when a cloud obscures the blazing sun
Across the golden fields of corn the dancing shadows run
And so it seems in daily life the shadows come and go
We cannot have the light without the shadow - this we know
And so when cares depress you and you cannot see a gleam
Remember shadows are not quite as dark as they may seem.
Key Reflections From This Poem
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Life has both bright and difficult days.
Just as we see shadows when the sun is shining, life brings times of happiness as well as times of worry and disappointment.
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Shadows remind us that light is near.
When we are going through a difficult time, it can help to remember that the darkness we feel today will not always remain.
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Things may not be as bad as they seem.
Worry can sometimes make a problem appear larger than it really is. A little time and a different point of view may help us see things more clearly.
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Keep looking for the light.
Even during discouraging times, there is often something good to appreciate and a reason to hold on to hope.
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Difficult times will come and go.
Just as shadows move across the fields and disappear, the troubles we face can also pass. We can take encouragement in knowing that brighter days can come again.
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Conclusion
Shadows will come and go in life, just as they do on the wall, across the lawn, and through the fields. Patience Strong reminds us that discouragement does not tell the whole story. Even when we cannot see a gleam of light, it does not mean the light is gone. May this poem encourage you to hold on to hope and remember that the shadows we face are often not as dark as they seem.
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