Shadow Play

Shadow stands

like a totem pole--

Your negative

Twice the height of

your real self.

Stretching

It reaches

the tops of shadow trees.

Matching your flight path

Arms spread

Like wings

A dance partner

Who never misses a step.

Running ahead

Impatient

When you race to me.

Streaming behind

Like the tail of a kite

when you turn toward the sun.

Comments: 32

William M. May 8, 2007, 8:26am EDT

Very good, Janna.

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John Doyle May 8, 2007, 8:32am EDT

I like this poem. I makes me remember that there can be no shadow without the sun

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Sophiya S. May 8, 2007, 8:49am EDT

wonderful

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♥kyra D. May 8, 2007, 11:11am EDT

Love this Janna! While reading, it was easy to see a child...dancing around with his shadow. Beautiful imagery.

I'm going to feature this in our group: *Reflections & Shadows*
www.reflectingbeauty.gather.com

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 11:22am EDT

Thank you, William.

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 11:22am EDT

Very true, John.

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 11:24am EDT

Thank you, Sigriet.

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 11:24am EDT

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Amy.

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 11:27am EDT

Thank you, Kyra. Your group actually made me want to experiment with photographing shadows and the kids always get into the act. A poem was born.

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Ruth F. May 8, 2007, 5:45pm EDT

Beautiful poem. Thanks Janna

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Trish A. May 8, 2007, 9:13pm EDT

Enjoyed this poem, the simplicity--the words you chose, I was drawn to include, "your negative twice the height of your self" and "a dance partner who never misses a step." Thanks for sharing.

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 10:34pm EDT

Thanks, Ruth. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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Janna O'Donnell May 8, 2007, 10:35pm EDT

Thank you, Trish.

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Pat M. May 9, 2007, 5:15am EDT

Another excellent image Janna. Gather really is a canvas for you.
I have three contacts whose poetry I always look forward to reading for their imagery: Jim Ross, Ed Nudelmann and you.
I'm jealous.

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Janna O'Donnell May 9, 2007, 5:40am EDT

That's high praise, Pat. Thanks for reading. You know it's only been in the last year that I've begun to write poetry again. My time was limited when the kids were babies. I'm really enjoying myself at Gather. It's very encouraging to be read and get comments from the readers and read other people's excellent work.

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Karolyn Q. May 9, 2007, 7:36am EDT

Very nice!

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Janna O'Donnell May 9, 2007, 8:13am EDT

Thanks, Karolyn.

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Janna O'Donnell May 10, 2007, 6:24am EDT

Thank you, Mark. I think good poetry should be accessable to everyone. I'm thrilled that you feel like this one is.

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Terry S. May 10, 2007, 5:42pm EDT

Next time I am outside, I am going to remember the tail of my kite when I face the sun

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Janna O'Donnell May 10, 2007, 6:45pm EDT

Thank you, Terry.

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Charity M. May 11, 2007, 7:45am EDT

(((Beautifully descriptive)))

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Janna O'Donnell May 11, 2007, 7:50am EDT

Thank you, Charity.

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Barbara B. May 11, 2007, 10:54am EDT

The choice of words in this poem are just marvelous young lady.
It certainly proved to be a great read and I love inovative poems
such as yours. I will be looking for more like this, soon, yes?
Janna you do have a great flare with words, something, such as this in life; is transformed into a beautiful poem. Thanks so much. :)

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