Shadows At My Window

One year ends; another begins. Like a quiet shadow at my window.

We tend to think of the passing of years as separate entities. But one gives way to another as if it is just a comma in a sentence.

A tune we know with a slightly different beat.

“Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne

The new year brings us one step closer to the closing of a book. A final chapter we all face.

But for now, we have hopes and dreams. And promises made to ourselves.

In shadows at my window, a window in a house looking outside

One year; another year. And another quickly creeps up on you.

Shadows Sneaking Up The Wall:

Each night I watch the shadows at my window, sneaking up the wall and ceiling. And each morning I watch those shadows give way to light.

At first the room takes on a timid glow. As though the sun is approaching but wants to surprise the darkness into fading away.

Like a child playing hide and go seek.

“To light a candle is to cast a shadow.” – Ursula K. Le Guin

Has it been a memorable year? Or one that held simple days and anniversaries alike?

Have you lost someone close to you that’s left a gap where their presence used to be?

Maybe you welcomed a new family member, swaddled up in a tight blanket and blinking at a bright new world?

A Covid World:

At first, didn’t it seem like a bit of an anomaly, one that would quickly go away? It would be good for a headline or two or three or four, some thought. I did. Then disappear.

But that didn’t happen. There is vast wreckage everywhere you look. Lives were torn apart.

A gathering of pine trees against the blue sky

I like to come home, close my door and exhale. Try to shut out the confusion and fear that has gripped us for nearly two years now.

“There is a shadow on every page”. – Eugene Ormandy

It opened our eyes to the existence of death borne on a daily basis. That shadow of death that walks along the path with us always.

But not the kind that makes millions of people take their last breath in a Covid world.

It is like a tornado dipping down to destroy one house and then leaving the next one standing. An imperial monster that presented itself and now refuses to go quietly into the night.

No One Special:

I feel like a relic in my own story sometimes.

I have never done anything that put a bright shining star up in the night sky. I’m just like everyone else, muddling along.

I’ve tiptoed through my life not really wanting to be noticed.

In shadows at my window, trees bare and still some losing their leaves

My own dwelling, wherever it may be, will always be the beacon of light that leads me home.

“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.” – Samuel Smiles

My hope for you is that you have had more good days than bad in the year 2021. I hope that you have not lost loved ones.

There’s always hope.

Like the stars that appear every night to light up the shadows in the sky, you hold onto hope as if you’ll never let go. Don’t ever let go.

You can’t touch a shadow, you know.

If you try, your hand will pass right through its darkness. As if it wasn’t really ever there at all.

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I'm Brenda, creator of Cozy Little House. I live with my cat, Ivy, who keeps me laughing. I graduated from journalism school with a degree in professional writing and won awards for feature writing. I practice gratitude and enjoy my solitude. The glass is always half-full.

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29 Comments

  1. This is so beautifully written, Brenda. Yes, a year always has its ups and downs, and as you say, a good one will have more ups. I wish that for you, too, in the year ahead. This year we had some wonderful moments, but also, sadness. My husband lost his brother, and one of his oldest, dearest friends within two months. So, good riddance, 2021! It seems like it’s becoming a pattern to saying “good riddance” to the prior year. I hope that’s not the case in 2022. As you say, we must never let go of hope!

  2. Happy 2022…be blessed. You are a great expressive writer and your posts are very inspirational. Hope your move will make your year a great one! Thanks for writing as I look forward to reading your Blog. Happy New Year.

  3. I do love the way you write and express yourself Brenda which is why I keep coming back!! With the upcoming move I’m hoping a new beginning for you and your fur babies. I’m certain you will make your new place a home in no time. I will be following to see all you will do. A very Happy New Year and take care

  4. Another beautiful post, thank you.
    I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2022 .
    I am looking forward to reading about your coming move, been along for a few now. Hugs
    Stay safe.

    1. I just wish my ankle would get better. I think I need a new walking boot. This one doesn’t seem to be inflating.

  5. Brenda, you already know I am one of your forever loyal readers. I love your own words of ‘poetry:” which are words of hope that you share with us all. Words that share to inspire all of us, no matter where or who we are. You have a gift, and your gift is words, sent from your heart, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, every single day you post.
    Hugs,
    Bonnie (cold, cold WI)

  6. Thank you for such a thoughtful and beautiful post, Brenda. Your gift for word and phrase shines through brightly. I wish, like you, that 2022 holds more good than bad for all of us and that we continue to heal from all we’ve been through the last two years and longer. Mostly I just wish for health for all of us and for love and compassion to triumph throughout the world. I am trying to say to myself and others “Happy New Year” without reservations or doubt. Happy New Year, Brenda and to all of those who love you and your blog.

  7. Wishing everyone better days ahead. Brenda your post was beautifully written. We are lucky if our homes bring us peace. I am limiting the news I watch, music lifts the spirit! Brenda, I am so excited to follow you on your new home journey. Your new home looks very nice and I am sure you will be very happy there. Happy, healthy New Year everyone!

    1. I occasionally read a bit of news on the internet, but I never watch it on TV. Too depressing. Happy New Year!

  8. that was a beautiful post. wishing you a better year in 2022….wishing that for all of us.

      1. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in our soul and sings a tune without the words and never stops at all.
        By Emily Dickenson 1891

  9. In 2021 we lost our freedom and our sense of well being. We lost our fun outings and family get togethers. I lost my son. I would gladly give up all the rest to have him back even for a final “I love you so much”. Covid didn’t take him, diabetes problems did. After he was gone and I had to go on alone (I was his caregiver) I fell and broke my wrist. I had surgery and still can’t use it. Every new year used to present itself as a fresh white canvas to paint our picture. John and I used to talk about it and plan on our “pictures”. This year, with omicron and delta looming over us I feel so alone. I am trying hard to get a vision that is positive and faith filled for 2022. I’ll be watching for those shadows to recede. Beautiful post Brenda. Gives me a whole new perspective. Sandra

    1. When I’m feeling low, sometimes I take pen to paper and write down what I’m grateful for. It won’t help you feel less alone but might shift your perspective for a time. Always be kind to yourself. Do little things that give you enjoyment.

      1. Thank you Brenda, I appreciate that advice. My journal and I are best friends. After I broke my wrist I couldn’t write and thought I would have a nervous breakdown. I’m writing again although in slow increments.

  10. So love ❤ your beautiful & lovely post. Honestly, you are so amazing at expressing the existence of life, just everything Brenda!!! A fantastic writer!!!
    Marvelous to read and think how real your thoughts are. I could never.
    Everyone ready for 2022?
    On the way folks ,,,,,, a few more hours!!! Enjoy the 😊 welcoming in, AND stay safe.
    Make that your #1 priority.

  11. Love this post so much, Brenda! I can relate to coming home, closing the door and releasing a very deep exhale. I honestly don’t like to go out – so much negative energy. Almost like a shadow looming.
    I’ve found myself counting down the days to your BIG moving day. It’s so exciting and I’m excited for you. I’m sure you’re getting more and more excited.
    Happy New Year!

  12. Beautifully written. Happy New Year, Brenda. The new year is bringing exciting changes for you

  13. Beautiful post and so fitting for the last day of this year. Wishing you, Ivy and Gracie all the best this coming year can bring and hoping your dreams com true. Happy New Year Brenda!

    2. Thank you Jan. Yes, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy new year!

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