Little shadows, little shadows <br />Dancing on the chamber wall, <br />While I sit beside the hearthstone <br />Where the red flames rise and fall. <br />Caps and nightgowns, caps and nightgowns, <br />My three antic shadows wear; <br />And no sound they make in playing, <br />For the six small feet are bare. <br /> <br />Dancing gayly, dancing gayly, <br />To and fro all together, <br />Like a family of daisies <br />Blown about in windy weather; <br />Nimble fairies, nimble fairies, <br />Playing pranks in the warm glow, <br />While I sing the nursery ditties <br />Childish phantoms love and know. <br /> <br />Now what happens, now what happens? <br />One small shadow's tumbled down: <br />I can see it on the carpet <br />Softly rubbing its hurt crown. <br />No one whimpers, no one whimpers; <br />A brave-hearted sprite is this: <br />See! the others offer comfort <br />In a silent, shadowy kiss. <br /> <br />Hush! they're creeping; hush! they're creeping, <br />Up about my rocking-chair: <br />I can feel their loving fingers <br />Clasp my neck and touch my hair. <br />Little shadows, little shadows, <br />Take me captive, hold me tight, <br />As they climb and cling and whisper, <br />"Mother dear, good night! good night!"<br /><br />Louisa May Alcott<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/from-the-short-story-shadow-children/
