Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Mary MapesDodge

722 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.