A SIMILE.
Reading edition
In early Morning, tall and gaunt, Our shadows reach across the street; Like giant sprites they seem to haunt The things we meet.
But at noon-tide more dwarfed they fall Around about each sun-crown'd thing; Yet lengthen out, and grow more tall, Towards evening.
And thus Dependence among men Is largely seen in Childhood's stage; At Mid-life hides; but comes again With hoary age.