| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
| |
| 722. Shadow-Evidence |
| | | By Mary Mapes Dodge |
| |
| |
| 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, | 5 |
| 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, | 10 |
| Far out of sight. | |
| Steady and keen of wing, | |
| The slight, impassioned thing, | |
| Intent on a goal unknown, | |
| Had held its course alone | 15 |
| In silent flight. | |
| |
| Dear little bird, and fleet, | |
| Flinging down at my feet | |
| Shadow for song: | |
| More sure am I of thee— | 20 |
| Unseen, unheard by me— | |
| Than of some things felt and known, | |
| And guarded as my own, | |
| All my life long. | |
| |
|
|
|
