What are we each, if not the perfect children that stun us with their innocence? |
|
Perfect ChildIf you would hold a perfect child,feel its small arms around your neck and take pleasure from that laugh that dribbles love of life down its chin So love your childish imperfection In a world that honors surface beauty, hold close your shyness, a doorway only sometimes open An invitation to warm rooms, soft light There’s shelter there from those more bold Drop fear of failure like clothing on a beach Lie for a while in the warmth of chance Winning is no more than willingness to lose Close your eyes, run fingers over jealousy, explore its contours, things we want to know A child trusts until it’s dropped, not caught Open your arms and learn to trust yourself Catch incompleteness, balance it on your knee, watch it giggle, close its hands around your heart Perfect child, wipe the dribble from your chin |
This poem is included in Jim Freeman's poetry collection BROKEN PIECES available here in print or as an e-Book in your favorite formats. |