Coming, going, thru the play,
Flashing on the screen,
Do the actors take their way.
Briefly each is seen.
What are they--these shapes that move,
Forms that rise and fall,
Urged by hope, or fear, or love?
Shadows on the wall.
In the daily strain and strife
Shift and change appear.
On the larger stage of life
Mingle smile and tear.
Here our little race we run,
Then are vanished all.
What are we when all is done?
Shadows on the wall.