The Poet's Corner...

               KIMBERLY
                 (Age 9)
              
I see the lovely features forming, even and clear.
The dusky blue eyes, reflecting all your emotions,
     the long, straight legs,
          the narrow hips
               the softly arching back.
You will be a beautiful woman, daughter,
               in time.

But for now, you’d rather save your allowance
     for a baseball glove
          or a hamster.
And I can’t remember the last time you wore a dress.
I’m glad summer is here – at least I’ll see your legs,
     now that your jeans are put away.
But must you wear the baseball cap?

You fill so many needs in my life these days,
     like holding my hand as we ride in the car,
          or smiling your special smile when I wink at you.
And when I say, “I love you,”
     I know you’ll say, “I love you, too.”
That’s the way things are with us.

We have a long road ahead of us.
It leads through puberty, adolescence, braces,
     first love, and – who know what else.
I don’t know this road very well.
It’s been a while since I traveled it
     and so many of the landmarks are gone.
But I’ll be there, Kim,
     at least to hold your hand
          while you find your way.



               CHERYL
                (age 8)

What will you be today, young Sarah?
I can see that gleam in your eye.
Will you play the hurt baby-child?
Lower lip pouting,
     sadness written across your face,
          perhaps stumbling a bit for effect?

Or will you play the gay ballerina?
Dancing, whirling through the room,
     laughter barely contained,
          stealing every heart?

As a baby, you were a daddy’s girl,
     and I gloried in your love.
You would climb onto the lap of any man
     who visited our home,
Knowing you would find love there,
     having learned that on my knee.

These past few years have changed you, Cheryl.
I’ve watched you carefully building
     your own identity.
Unlike your sister, unlike anyone –
     completely Cheryl.

I miss the open giving and receiving of your affection,
     but I’m not afraid.
I know you are simply polishing another facet
     on the gemstone of a beautiful soul.
_____