Notes About The Poem

A child and a dog make the perfect pair:

No better friendship is found anywhere.

                                                            

 

Shadows In the Park

Innocent days spent on the paths of Audubon Park.
A dark silhouette trailing my steps;  a body guard
until a stick was thrown.  Black tail flying in retrieval, 
proudly returning to lay it at my feet.
Shadow was followed by his own silhouette 
when he chased squirrels up the nearest oak tree.

Moss laden oaks, grown nearer the clouds since then.
Their towering forms black wraiths, monoliths -
painting the road in front of me.
In my mind I am running with Shadow,
waiting for my gifts of sticks.
He's barking and chasing squirrels until I say,
"Come on, boy. Let's go home."

Innocent days were untouched by sorrow.
I haven't walked those paths
or visited that park since the day 
my Shadow could no longer follow me.


February 16th, 2016
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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A. Sharma Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 10:02 PM
Congrats on ur awesome win Lin.
Lane Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 10:17 PM
Thanks so much, Upma.
Dietrich Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 9:37 AM
wow, this gave me chills . I absolutely love it and your description is amazing. a FAVE on thee and thy poem!!
Lane Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 10:08 AM
I really appreciate your comments, Andrea. Thank you for liking it enough to save as a fave.
George   Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 6:12 PM
Wonderful free verse, Lin. Many congrats on your win. Elaine
Lane Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 6:13 PM
I thank you very much, Elaine.
Richards Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 5:04 PM
Oh, this does pull such heart strings....and having had my own beloved friend, a Golden Lab, as an excited companion on these same kind of adventures....this hits home! Lovely write, Lin. And thank you so much, I must add, for the placement in your vacation contest. I enjoyed the challenge :)
Lane Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 5:11 PM
Thank you very much, Carrie. I enjoyed your vacation... next time take me with you ;)
George   Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 6:24 AM
Bitter-sweet! The ending brought tears my eyes. Elaine
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 6:38 AM
Thanks, Elaine. To bring about emotion is a great compliment.
Sage Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 6:18 PM
how sad, oh! i got an idea, you must be in a shade or covered from the sun, leave that side and get out in the rays, am sure your shadow will be there staring at you, lol...just kidding, shadow seems to be one lovely pet, am sure it'll be happy to know you've shared such lovely memories of it
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:09 AM
Thanks a lot, Sage.
Turner Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 5:35 PM
Beautiful write, Peaches. I don't even want to think about not having my shadow. A7
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:09 AM
Thank you, Danny.
Onclaud Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 12:57 PM
i feel the same way... my park is now filled with tall buildings...such a wonderful poetic treat, lin!..huggs
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:07 AM
and what a shame playgrounds are not what they used to be. Thanks so much for such great comments, Nette.
Scars Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 10:59 AM
Lin, so touching and moving... how sad...very well written -luloo
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:06 AM
Thank you for reading, Luloo. You know I appreciate your comments.
Grammatico Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 9:37 AM
Really well done, Lin. I could picture it all in my mind.
Lane Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 10:23 AM
Thank you very much, Steve.
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