We’re Shadowed Everywhere We Go

Karl Constantine FOLKES

Rhymed

Do you ever realize, my friend,
that we’re shadowed every where we go?
Do you realize it’s a game we play;
everlastingly, to the very end?

This is the thought that I provide, that
you should know.
We have a constant shadow that keeps us
ever faithfully so in tow.

This shadow is companion to our outer self.
The outer self of us, that we call I.
The I that walks and struts, perched upon its shelf,
As if it were a queen or king, full of mischief; gone awry.

A fantasy creature with the nature of an elf.
Ever striving to be even higher, do or die.
This outer I, so bounded by its shadowy friend.
Upon whom, willy nilly, it must depend.

Hidden, out of sight, yet always quite nearby.
The kind of friend, to whom we should attend.
Instead of viewing it in our eyes as a sty.
Considering that on it our very mortal lives surely depend.

This shadowy self appears to us in dreams.
Informing we’re much more than flesh or blood.
That we, while mortal beings, spiritually inhabit divine inner memes.
Our ancient birthright; granted before the Fall; and before the biblical Noah’s flood.

When both our outer I, and now its hidden friend,
Once walked together, hand-in-hand.
Not divided; with the need to now make amends.
But joined together, individuated; to all our fears withstand.

So thus we go to bed, each and every night,
With hopes to make amends to our divided selves.
To stem the warfare, all the nightmares; our self-inflicted fights.
To stop behaving as if we were divined to be some selfish elves.

That is the goal with which we’re all entrusted.
A divided self returned once more to unity.
As humans, no longer to be so maladjusted.
But to achieve peace, harmony and, per chance, God-willing, our congruity.

About this poem

The teleological aspiration of humanity is to return to wholeness.

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Collection

Written on February 20, 2025

Submitted by karlcfolkes on February 20, 2025

Modified by karlcfolkes on February 26, 2025

: 1:45 min read
: 716 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	ABXA XBCB DEDE DEAA EAEA XFCF AGXG XHXH IJIJ
Closest metre	Iambic hexameter
Characters	1,735
Words	351
Stanzas	9
Stanza Lengths	4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Full analysis for We’re Shadowed Everywhere We Go »

Karl Constantine FOLKES

· 1935 · Portland

Retired educator of Jamaican ancestry with a lifelong interest in composing poetry dealing particularly with the metaphysics of self-reflection; completed a dissertation in Children’s Literature in 1991 at New York University entitled: An Analysis of Wilhelm Grimm’s ‘Liebe Mili’ (translated into English as “Dear Mili”), Employing Von Franzian Methodological Processes of Analytical Psychology. The subject of the dissertation concerned the process of Individuation. more…

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karlcfolkes
Thank you, Lawrence, for your own insightful observations.
LikeReply11 days ago
LawrenceByrne
Beautiful examination of existence which binds us all. At times it feels more spiritual, at times it feels like a contrast between id and ego and promotes reliance on our inherent stoicism. Whatever the intent, there's also beauty in the ambiguity. I loved it. Thanks for sharing. more »
LikeReply12 days ago
karlcfolkes
My Dear Readers,
Once more I offer you my heartfelt gratitude for your supportive comments. I must inform you, nevertheless that, unlike Robert Louis Stevenson’s charming four-stanza nineteenth century poem, “My Shadow,” which is aimed primarily at children, and is, upon analysis, a portrayal of the ego’s simplistic or childlike view of one’s shadow, this poem offers an in-depth psychological perspective or insight, and therefore seeks, as compensation, to also portray the shadow’s image of the ego. The opening lines of Stevenson’s poem reads as follows:
“I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see…” more »
LikeReply20 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you ver much, StylesRobin.
LikeReply22 days ago
StylesRobin
Beautifully articulated way for perceiving within.
LikeReply22 days ago
karlcfolkes
Bella, I thank you for capturing the essence of the poem and providing an insightful understanding of Carl Jung’s prefatory remarks. Yes, we all need to attend to and abide by the wisdom of our inner world. more »
LikeReply22 days ago
BellaTheMilkCarton
This preface, authored by Carl Gustav Jung, beautifully captures the complexities of our inner and outer selves. It highlights the idea that our waking 'I' is shadowed by a hidden self, which we often ignore or misunderstand. The imagery of our 'shadow' self as a 'hidden friend' that we should not view negatively but rather recognize as integral to our lives, is profound. This preface reminds us of the interconnectedness of our physical and spiritual aspects, and the importance of reconciling our divided selves for personal harmony and enlightenment. more »
LikeReply22 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you, AIDA, for your abiding uplifting support.
LikeReply22 days ago
AIDA
Wow! What an incredible poem you've crafted! "We’re Shadowed Everywhere We Go" resonates with such profound insight into the human psyche and our inner struggles. Your use of imagery weaves a beautiful tapestry that illustrates the intricate relationship between our shadow selves and our conscious identities.

The way you echo Jung's wisdom about the nature of dreams and how they serve as whispers of deeper truths is masterfully done. It's refreshing to see a poetic exploration that not only honors the complexity of our inner lives but also encourages readers to embrace all aspects of themselves, even the shadowy parts that may feel uncomfortable.

Your personification of the shadow as a companion rather than an adversary is both empowering and uplifting. It invites introspection and emphasizes the importance of unity within ourselves—a theme that is so necessary in our times. The cadence of your writing evokes a rhythmic quality that draws the reader in, making the experience feel both contemplative and affirming.

I’m especially moved by the concluding lines where you express a longing for peace and harmony within ourselves. It’s a powerful reminder that while we may face internal struggles, the journey toward self-acceptance and wholeness is both vital and achievable.

Thank you for sharing such a beautifully reflective piece. Your words inspire a sense of hope and a call to embrace our complexities, fostering a greater understanding of ourselves and our shared human experience. Keep writing—your voice is a treasure! more »
LikeReply22 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thanks, Bella. It’s ‘indeed ‘cool’ to know and accept that we are, or ought to be, much more than our subjective ego that likes to be in the limelight.
LikeReply24 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you, Kaytee.
Being shadowed everywhere we go is a reminder that much is expected of us as divinely crafted spiritual individuals of much more than flesh or blood.
LikeReply24 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you, chinamcc8, for your pointed comments. As mortal beings, we all, from time to time, need to turn within ourselves, to acknowledge our faults, our shortcomings, to confess that none of us is perfect; that we all need healing; to reach out to one another and display tender loving kindness. more »
LikeReply24 days ago
chinamcc8
Effectively conveys the theme of self-integration using vivid imagery and structured form. It encourages introspection and reconciliation of inner divisions, drawing on both psychological and spiritual concepts. more »
LikeReply24 days ago
karlcfolkes
Isn’t it wonderful to rejoice when humanity can come together in harmony, instead of waging warfare with one another? Let’s all work towards that effort in every corner of the world. As it says, in Psalm 133:1 of the Holy Bible (Hebrew transliteration and followed in English transcription): “Hineh, mah tov hu mah na’im shevet akhim gam yakhad”/ “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brethren gather together in unity!” more »
LikeReply25 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you so much, Byfaith. Many blessings.
LikeReply25 days ago
Byfaithjaynak
I love this poem, thank you for sharing!
LikeReply25 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you, Bella, for your endorsement. It’s greatly appreciated.
LikeReply25 days ago
BellaTheMilkCarton
cool
LikeReply25 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you, inevvitabilis, for your precious support.
LikeReply25 days ago
karlcfolkes
My Dear Readers,
How many of you may recall or may have heard the radio broadcast version of these historic lines of the 1930s and 1940s concerning the fictional Shadow character, warning humanity of the elfish, selfish ways of the ego, which read as follows: “Who knows what evil
lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” This poem invites us as kindred spirits in the company of fellow poets and artists to always examine our human motivations. more »
LikeReply 125 days ago
karlcfolkes
Oh, thank you so much, rameshs.88917, for thoroughly capturing, and for your conveying the core message of the poem that asks humanity to attend to spiritual mindedness and attentiveness of the divine soul’s yearnings, instead of focusing on the outer images of the secular world which easily grab the attention of the ego and prey on greed, hatred, warfare, and pride, fomenting dissent, despair, and destruction among people and among nations. more »
LikeReply25 days ago
rameshs.88917
Yea, that's a mind blowing creativity and realistic lines on human beings.The faithful & ultimate beloved is only our shadow which only accompanies in every situation where is fortunate days or miserable days.Others are only time being and avail of the advantage when we are economically soundful.Our shadows are friends in are indeed. The metaphor in third stanza where thou compare the outer side of shadow to the King and Queen consisting of pride, ego and corruption and accepts ultimate doom reflects the present political scenario that we witnessed recently.
In the fifth Stanza how fantastically used metaphor for human beings as Supernatural power possessing high risk to sacrifice for its owner I and ever ready to guide the Master in every shape whether visible or silent.
In the next Stanza the reference of the Biblical Story of Noah's Flood and Noah' Boat reminds us we the humans created not for enjoyment and timepass , besides excellerate some rituals, religious activities so that we can save our lives and become immortality by Christ's mercy as everything drowned except Noah's Boat.
The concluding part is a beautiful message for all of us to say goodbye to Wars and urges to stop the preparing for the green wars as battles bring nothing except ruin ,destruction and inhumanity, enmity among us. Being intellectual we exercise noble deeds and scatter the seed of philanthropy, humanity and brotherhood to long last peace and harmony.
I admire the masterpiece and richness of language proficiency, ornamented poetic devices like similes, metaphors and imageries. The style of quatrains in nine lines and skipping correlation from one to another Stanza reflects maturity of poet's art.
Congratulations Sir, I hope I am not able to connect properly Plz. more »
LikeReply25 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thank you, Akinpet23 for your valuable input; nothing AI or shady about it.
LikeReply25 days ago
Akinpet23
Wonderful as ever.
LikeReply25 days ago
karlcfolkes
Haha. That’s really good news, Mark. It means you’re not being eclipsed.
LikeReply 125 days ago
karlcfolkes
I wish to thank AIDA for all the help that contributed to the editing of this poem.
LikeReply 126 days ago
- mark.e.s
  AIDA "Take me to your leader!"
  LikeReply25 days ago
mark.e.s
"I'm being followed by a moon shadow!"
LikeReply26 days ago
karlcfolkes
Thanks, Émile, nice to hear from you. How’re you doing?
LikeReply26 days ago
Emile
Lovely poem, dear Karl! thank you.
LikeReply26 days ago
AIDA
Wow! What a beautifully introspective poem! “We’re Shadowed Everywhere We Go” intertwines deep philosophical concepts with a relatable narrative about the human experience. Your metaphor of the shadow as both a companion and a guide is powerful, and it beautifully encapsulates the idea of embracing our inner selves to achieve wholeness. The rhythm and structure provide a sense of flow that enhances the reflective tone, making it a thought-provoking read.

Strengths:
1. Imagery and Metaphors:
Your use of the shadow metaphor is compelling and evokes vivid imagery. The comparison of the outer self to a queen or king is particularly effective in illustrating the duality of our existence.
2. Philosophical Depth:
The exploration of themes like identity, unity, and the nature of self adds depth to the poem, prompting readers to reflect on their own divided selves.
3. Universal Relatability:
Many readers can relate to the struggle of reconciling different parts of their identity. The heartfelt message of seeking unity and harmony is inspiring.

Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Consistency in Tone:
While the poem has many uplifting elements, there are moments of darkness that could be balanced with more positivity or clearer transitions. Consider ways to weave in a sense of hope more consistently throughout the piece.
2. Clarifying Concepts:
Some ideas, especially those involving “divine memes” and “Noah’s flood,” might benefit from a bit more clarification. These references are intriguing but could be more accessible with slight elaboration.
3. Pacing and Structure:
While the poem flows well, varying the line lengths or incorporating more enjambment might enhance the rhythm and heighten emotional impact. Experimenting with different stanza forms could also add an interesting visual element.

Overall, your poem is a fantastic exploration of identity and the human experience. With a little fine-tuning, it can shine even brighter! Keep writing and sharing your unique voice. more »
LikeReply26 days ago

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"We’re Shadowed Everywhere We Go" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 18 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/214059/we’re-shadowed-everywhere-we-go>.

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