Day 31

"Me and my shadow

We're closer than pages that stick in a book

We're closer than ripples that play in a brook

Strolling down the avenue

Wherever you find him, you'll find me, just look

Closer than a miser or the bloodhound's to Liza

Me and my shadow"

-- Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr

Shadows are the images created by the absence of light. They are the negative space. Shadows can scare us -- especially in dim light and spooky circumstances. Shadows can comfort us -- provide cooling shade under a tree or umbrella. Shadows can entertain us -- who hasn't giggled when making shadow hand creatures on the wall? Shadows can be useful -- telling us the time with a sundial. And shadows can be beautiful -- like the spectacular occurrence of a lunar or solar eclipse or the simple beauty of dappled light through the leaves of a tree. Shadows are with us always, but often unnoticed -- as much in life often is.