A poem of encouragement that reminds us that shadows are not as dark as they seem. Patience Strong's poem is one that can be applied to all things in life; when we feel down or discouraged by something when
we feel there is no solution, think of a shadow - things are not as bad as they seem.
We cannot expect that all things, every day will be just the way we want them. We all face challenges and roadblocks in
life however there is light, we just have to focus our thoughts on the positive not on the negative, as things are not as dark as they seem! We hope this short poem is one that will inspire and
encourage you.
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 could obscure 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.
You may also be encouraged by these poems by Patience Strong, full of wisdom for us all to consider:
If You Stand Very Still
by Patience Strong
If you stand very still in the heat of a wood
You will hear many wonderful things;
The snap of a twig and the wind in the trees,
And the whirr of invisible wings.
If you stand very still and hold to your faith
You will get all the help that you ask;
You will draw from the silence
the things that you need,
Hope and courage and strength for your task.
Independence Day
by Patience Strong
To earn by one's own effort what one spends,
This is an independence all must prize;
To have no patrons but sincere good friend
To whom we're bound by naught but friendship ties.
Patrons oft cripple, friends invigorate;
Happy the robust independent state.
To think for oneself, not echo other voices.
And then to act sincerely with fear;
In this the independent soul rejoices.
Happy are those who have the power to steer
Along a lonely road with truth in sight,
Companioned by conviction, "This is right."
Our vaunted independence! Who is free?
We carry with us, wherever Life may call,
The knowledge that there is no liberty
Outside the cosmic law that governs all.
Seeking for liberty, 'tis this we find-
Happy obedience to the mastermind.
