all that i am

into our world
princesses come

but once a year

strewing candy at our feet
with fanfare and firetrucks, race cars and horses




into this world
was born a prince
with expectation
and anxious anticipation
and all eyes turned
and all eyes noticed
his birthing and his naming








into my world
far away
was born
a little sunshine
known by those near
and loved by us far
though unseen
until the first of winter






and into this world
will come in the fall
a little one
not mine
but close
within my grasp to hold






and in this world lives a little
with precious eyes turned upward
"can I tell you something really scary?"
but of course and I listen
as she tells of nearly drowning
I hold her close and tell her
"oh my, that must have really been scary..."
and I ask "are you still afraid?"
"no, Andy saved me!"
looking at me pondering 'why would I still feel afraid?'

at three years of age
she stands before our large family gathered
and leads us all in prayer before dinner
confident
unafraid
secure

later
I wonder
were eyes upon me
with anxious anticipation waiting

was I known and loved
by those far away and near

and was there anyone there
for me to tell
and to hold me
after something really scary







surely there was
but why is there in me
such loneliness while little

and why still
do I feel
insignificant, invisible small

the most able eyes
are upon me
always
loving, protecting and keeping
now
and for all eternity

I am
small
a seed
scattered
in this world of tares and wheat

but there is sunshine
     and flickers of light
and there is cool change
     and places of warmth


and strong arms think
    and swim fast to rescue
and arms surround to hug secure
    and listen

and to hold