Agalloch Where Shade Once Was 1. Where Shade Once Was Where shade once was, the lake tree in a sprawl Of death no longer writhing against the wind. The people say: "i see now. it was tall." And here and there slight nests of springtime find Themselves dependent on a severed height. The people say: "i see now. it was kind." The people praise. the people cut. Twilight comes and they haul their loads off. Through mid-air a cry... A blackcap crying out in flight, Seeking a nest that is no longer there.