The Shadow knows

"Only the shadow knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men," was the opening line to The Shadow radio show that began in 1930. He was a dauntless crime fighter who never let himself be seen, only heard. At the end of every show, The Shadow would say, “The weed of every crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay . . . The Shadow knows.”

I’m often attracted by the shape of shadows on a surface. Shadows have a unique way of taking on the shape of the surface while at the same time retaining the shape of the object. Shadows can heighten our anticipation of a pending crime in film and television and at the same time provide hours of entertainment for a kitten. They can evoke a sense of comfort when we talk about being in the shadow of someone's protection. Shadows can make us look taller, shorter, thinner and wider. They mimic our every move and are totally dependent on us for life and movement.

In many respects shadows are like people. When we are doing something that we shouldn’t, we try to hide it “in the shadows.” We avoid being exposed by the light, preferring to lurk in the darkness. We retain our identity and our shape, yet at the same time, we take on the shape of whatever else lurks in the shadows. Other times, we follow in the shadow of a mentor, blending in with the surface only to be exposed to light, when we are ready. As for me, I prefer the light, leaving the shadows way behind.