Rhyme & Reason - a reason to rhyme

  My dad was a hard worker, Sole earner,  twenty years, So mum could raise their children, All six of us "wee dears" As tradesman in a company, He, private work did, too, So they could "make ends meet" each month, Buy food, pay bills, when due. Aft. 'rriving home and eating, The paper, lifted he, Soon after, came the snoring, Was tired, 'twas plain to see. If television channels  (Back then 'twas two, then three) We're changed, amid the snoozing, Instantly woke, did he.  "Hey, I was watching that" came out, When told, asleep, he'd court, "I was just resting my eyes" Was always his retort.

    I have a walking partner who, When on those sunny days, If I, outside, go treading, With me he often plays.   Sometimes he lags behind me, Or he goes on ahead, At other times beside me, And not a word is said.   He's very quiet at all times, Whenever he does show, Though I have never really To him, ev'n said 'hello'.   Should I e'er walk at fast pace,  As I am apt to do, He does keep up    and with me Will stay, the whole time through. Though, unlike me, he never Gets out of breath, or tired, Just tags along, a-nearby, His stamina, admired.      He doesn't like damp weather, Or when the sky has cloud. He must remain at home, then, As if he's not allowed.    He is the quiet companion, A friend sure,  NOT a foe, And if you haven't guessed by now? His name is "My Shadow".