Shel Silverstein

Shadow Race

Shadow Race - meaning Summary

Winning by Facing the Sun

This short poem presents a simple, literal race with one’s shadow that functions as a metaphor for perspective and agency. When the speaker runs with the sun behind, the shadow outruns them; when they face the sun, they win. The poem suggests that changing vantage point or confronting a source of light changes outcomes, implying empowerment comes from orientation and choice rather than external competition.

Read Complete Analyses

Every time I've raced my shadow When the sun was at my back, It always ran ahead of me, Always got the best of me. But every time I've raced my shadow When my face was toward the sun, I won.

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