Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MY SHADOW, by W. HODGSON BURNETT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MY SHADOW, by                    
First Line: I have a sort of shadow that goes out sometimes with me
Last Line: Had forgotten all about me and had gone to vote instead!
Subject(s): Great Britain - Parliament; Shadows; Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850-1894)


I have a sort of shadow that goes out sometimes with me,
And what can be the use of him you presently will see;
He's not the least bit like me, and in fact I'm bound to say
That whichever way he votes, I have to vote the other way.

The strangest thing about him is he seldom is the same,
And I never know for certain what is going to be his name;
Sometimes he is a Liberal who wants an evening off,
Or he may be Independent and desire a game of golf.

His one desire (and mine) is just to spend a happy day,
And this arrangement has been found the most convenient way;
We still receive our money, and are both as free as air,
For my shadow and myself are what is called a happy 'Pair'.

One morning I must tell you when I thought that I had 'paired',
I stayed beneath the bedclothes till the day was nicely aired,
But my absent-minded shadow who I thought was safe in bed
Had forgotten all about me and had gone to vote instead!





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