Shadows
In this thoughtful poem, Patience Strong reminds us that even when life feels dark, light is never far away.
When life feels dark, remember that a shadow can only exist where light is present.
Updated January 27, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
Shadows by Patience Strong is a poem of encouragement that reminds us not to fear the dark moments in life. A shadow only appears because light is nearby, even when we do not notice it right away.
When problems feel heavy, it is easy to think there is no way through. This poem gently reminds us to be patient, look for the light, and remember that things are not always as bad as they seem.
Shadows
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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Shadows are part of everyday life.
Just as the sun and moon create shadows, our days will include both bright and hard moments.
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Light and shadow go together.
We learn to value the good times more when we have also faced days that felt difficult.
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Do not trust your first feeling.
When you feel discouraged, your thoughts can make things seem darker than they truly are.
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Keep looking for a gleam of hope.
Even a small sign of hope can guide you forward, one step at a time.
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Be patient with yourself.
Some answers take time, but this poem reminds us that dark feelings do not last forever.
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Conclusion
Shadows will come and go, just like they do on the wall, the lawn, and the fields. This poem reminds us that discouragement does not tell the whole story. If you feel weighed down today, look again for the light, because shadows are not as dark as they seem.
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Hope may feel small, but it is enough to guide you forward.