* Simple Repetition: The repeated lines "I have a little shadow that goes in for a walk" and "He holds his head up high, / And follows close behind" establish a cyclical rhythm, emphasizing the constant presence of the shadow throughout the day. This rhythm mimics the regular passage of time.
* Activities of the Day: The poem follows the child and their shadow through various activities of a typical day: "We walk along the fields," "We come home in the dark," "I jump into the air," "We creep into the bed." This sequence of events suggests the progression of time from morning to night.
* Changing Light and Shadows: The poem uses the shifting light to illustrate time's passage. "When the sun is in the sky," the shadow is "short and small," but when the "sun goes down," the shadow "grows so long and tall." This dynamic relationship between light and shadow directly reflects the change in time from day to night.
* Personification: The shadow is given human qualities like walking, holding its head high, and following behind. This personification adds a sense of playfulness and humor to the poem, suggesting that time is a playful companion rather than a rigid, unchanging entity.
* Rhyme and Rhythm: The poem's simple rhyme scheme (AABB) and rhythmic structure create a sense of predictability and regularity, mirroring the consistent flow of time.
By combining these techniques, Stevenson creates a vivid and engaging portrayal of time in "My Shadow." The poem celebrates the simple joys of childhood and the ever-present companionship of the shadow, which serves as a subtle but powerful reminder of the steady, unchanging nature of time.