As an infant, I recall the old maple tree’s leaf shadows frolicking across the bedroom walls. This is my earliest memory. The umbra of the crib sheltered me while the flicker of light played tag with the afternoon shade. I must have pondered this display, as a child does in the newness of the world, for the memories have traveled a lifetime’s journey.
Now, I play shadow games with my grandchildren. We stroll darken forest paths or build sand castles in the shade of another maple tree, as the sweltering sun hangs in the summer sky. The same sun, but new shadows fill my days. The crib no longer my sanctuary; I am hidden under the care of something, SOMEONE, greater.
Above… heaven’s gate;
souls seek refuge in shadows.
The Almighty waits…
“He who dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
Who doesn’t remember playing with shadows? Over at dVerse poets are taking shadows to the next step. Stop in.
Patti Wolf 
Lovely memories!! So dreamy…
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shadows are tender and care giving whether in the form of tiny maple leaf or the final shelter….
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I love the image of ‘the old maple tree’s leaf shadows frolicking across the bedroom walls’. I have similar memories and still enjoy shadows from our bay tree! . I also like the ‘umbra of the crib’, which creates a sense of security. And such a great thought: ‘The same sun, but new shadows’!
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Yes I have those early memories of watching shadows play. Wonderful play.
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A lovely & lyrical haibun; wonderful reminder that a poet’s childhood memories can last a lifetime
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Great haibun. I love your baby memories, watching the shadows on the ceiling. I have similar memories and also of watching the moon and its shadows. The haiku is beautiful and puts me in mind of Psalm 91.
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Mmm – the shadow of His wings comes to mind. This is charming!
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I like the idea of memories traveling a lifetime’s journey and the idea of seeking shelter in the shadow of the Almighty.
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Love how this turns to fun as playing shadow games with the grandchildren ~
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Thank you for these meditative thoughts from my childhood to my childrens to my grand-children.
They have, however, left their squigly warm shadows in my still open heart.
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Your haiku brought to mind the opening lyric of the hymn “Blessed Assurance”. Your haibun is beautifully written.
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I like the idea of playing tag with the shadows…Peter Pan like.
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