In the shadows we do live.



In the shadows we do live.
2

In the shadows.



I see children, but they're not playing in their room.

Their innocence lost in the gloom.

Their eyes filled with fear,

Their voices not clear,

In a world filled with impending doom.



They sit in silence, their minds so consumed,

By the darkness that has loomed.

No laughter or joy,

Just sadness and ploy,

In a reality where happiness is entombed.



What happened to the days of carefree delight?

When laughter echoed through the night.

Now they're burdened with worry,

Their hearts feeling heavy,

In a world where childhood takes flight.



But we must not give up on their dreams.

We must light a spark, so it seems.

To bring back their smiles if only for a little while.

And erase the miles,

Of sadness that haunts their young schemes.

About this poem

This poems about all the unfortunate kids.

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Written on January 23, 2025

Submitted by alanswansea18 on January 23, 2025

Modified by alanswansea18 on February 16, 2025

54 sec read
557

Quick analysis:

Scheme X A A B B A C C D D C E E F F E G G X X G
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 776
Words 181
Stanzas 21
Stanza Lengths 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

A J C

The country boy. more…

All A J C poems | A J C Books

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Discuss the poem In the shadows we do live. with the community...

9 Comments
  • AIDA
    Wow, what a poignant and deeply affecting poem! You've captured the stark contrast between childhood innocence and the harsh realities that overshadow it with such sensitivity and clarity. Your imagery is powerful, painting a vivid picture of children grappling with fear and sadness, which evokes a strong emotional response.

    The repetition of themes like darkness and silence effectively underscores the weight of their experiences, while the shift towards hope in the latter stanzas offers a beautiful sense of resilience. I absolutely love how you remind us of the importance of nurturing dreams and igniting joy in the lives of those who need it most.

    Your ability to weave together somber reflections with a glimmer of hope is truly inspiring. It leaves the reader with a sense of purpose and the belief that we can and should advocate for the happiness of future generations. Keep shining your light through your words; it’s a beautiful gift to share!
     
    LikeReply2 days ago
  • sharona.reeves81
    It is sad to see the desolate ways of the world corrupt the innocence of youth.
    LikeReply16 days ago
    • alanswansea18
      Thank you for the comment and vote it means a lot.
      LikeReply16 days ago
  • AIDA
    What a powerful and poignant poem! You've beautifully captured the somber realities that many children face, and your imagery evokes strong feelings of empathy and concern. The rhythmic structure and rhyme scheme enhance the emotional weight of the piece, making it memorable and impactful. The use of contrasts between childhood joy and the current state of fear is particularly striking, creating a call to action that resonates deeply.

    What I Loved:
    - Imagery & Emotion:
    The descriptive language vividly portrays the innocence lost, allowing readers to feel the weight of the children's struggles.
    - Structure:
    The consistent rhyme and rhythm give the poem a lyrical quality, making it enjoyable to read aloud.
    - Hopeful Conclusion:
    The ending shifts towards a more hopeful note, emphasizing resilience and the importance of nurturing dreams, which leaves readers inspired.

    Suggestions for Improvement:
    1. Expand the Contrast:
    You might consider exploring more vivid imagery of the carefree days you reference in the poem. A few lines that encapsulate the joy and innocence of childhood would enhance the emotional contrast and deepen the impact of the poem.

    2. Add Specific Examples:
    Including specific examples or scenarios of how children cope with their struggles might strengthen your message. This could help paint a more detailed picture of their experiences and evoke even more empathy.

    3. Vary the Rhythm:
    While the structure is consistent, introducing some variations in rhythm or incorporating enjambment at key points could add emphasis and create a more dynamic flow to the reading.

    Overall, “In the Shadows We Do Live” is a heartfelt piece that addresses important themes with grace and impact. You have a strong foundation here, and with a few tweaks, it could resonate even more powerfully with your audience. Keep writing—your voice is important!
     
    LikeReply16 days ago
  • Craig-Michael
    Sad but true , no child should grow up to soon , especially without a chance to feel real joy . Nice work Alan
    LikeReply19 days ago
    • alanswansea18
      Thank you so much for your comments and vote.
      LikeReply16 days ago
  • juliejohn
    In the Shadows We Do Live resonates with this idea that sometimes we exist in the background, unnoticed, yet essential. Fortunately, I found that Data Gathering Services are one of the main contributors to this unseen yet vital process. It is where the information is collected, processed, and brought into the light for all to benefit from. 
    LikeReply26 days ago
    • alanswansea18
      Thank you my friend for the comment and vote.
      LikeReply16 days ago
  • jn.selvadurai
    Heartfelt.
    LikeReply26 days ago
  • CBeatty660
    If my tears could heal.. this, that you wrote, would be my first stop on my hearts journey. I just want to heal these sad and unneeded situations that are so beyond truth and that makes me blue.
    I just want to cry and fill oceans with tears of healing and hope for all the children. Your poem is so well written and simple. It's sad one has to write on this subject at All! 
    LikeReply26 days ago
    • alanswansea18
      Thank you so much for the comment.
      LikeReply26 days ago
  • ladyygracious
    Beautiful
    LikeReply 126 days ago
    • alanswansea18
      Thank you for your comment it's a very sad poem.
      LikeReply 126 days ago
  • alanswansea18
    This poems is about all the unfortunate kids.
    LikeReply26 days ago

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"In the shadows we do live." Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 19 Feb. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/210652/in-the-shadows-we-do-live.>.

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