As beneath the moon I walked, Dog-at-heel my shadow stalked, Keeping ghostly company: And as we went gallantly Down the fell-road, dusty-white, Round us in the windy night Bracken, rushes, bent and heather Whispered ceaselessly together: "Would he ever journey more, Ever stride so carelessly, If he knew what lies before, And could see what we can see?" As I listened, cold with dread, Every hair upon my head Strained to hear them talk of me, Whispering, whispering ceaselessly: "Folly's fool the man must be, Surely, since, though where he goes He knows not, his shadow knows: And his secret shadow never Utters warning words, or ever Seeks to save him from his fate, Reckless, blindfold, and unknown, Till death tells him all, too late, And his shadow walks alone." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BONNYBELL: THE BUTTERFLY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE FRAILTY AND HURTFULNESS OF BEAUTY by HENRY HOWARD SNAKES, MONGOOSES, SNAKE-CHARMERS, AND THE LIKE by MARIANNE MOORE TWO OF A KIND by WALTER TALLMADGE ARNDT THE RIVER AND THE SEA by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |