My Students See Their Shadows

My students see their shadows
When we walk to recess
When leaves and birds are gone
In the middle of December
When nothing could distract them
From walking straight
And looking forward
A parade of little feet
on frozen pavement
They point and wave
To see themselves
Waving back at them
A new-found friend
To mimic them
Reminding me to look
To stop and check for mine
“It’s longer than me”
One student says
Another chimes
“Me too”
Just five-year olds
And dancing shadows
On a winter afternoon
I’m trying to keep the line
 I’m trying to remember
What joy a shadow can bring
God grant they never loose
That curiosity
And in seasons far from now
I never forget today