Under dull skies the paper lies
Waiting my brain's command,
When sudden, on the empty sheet
The unveiled sunshine draws complete
The shadow of my hand.

And by that shadow I am told
Of newborn light behind,
That rainwashed skies in sunshine glow
And my glad pen the blaze can throw
To those who still are blind.

Wait — can it be the shadow
That shows the sunshine more?
Nay — 'twas the light that proved the light —
The shadow gave no such delight,
For that was there before!

And did no shadow of myself
Obscure the paper fair
It still would speak to every one
In its clear answer to the sun
Of the glory that is there!