When I was just a little thing,
Before high heels and wedding rings;
When little curls in ringlets hung,
And nursery rhymes were nightly sung;
Upon your lap I failed to climb;
When you came near I ran each time;
And at your side I’d rarely be.
Barely let you speak to me.
There are many things I’ve lost since then.
Barbie dolls and teddy friends;
Outgrown clothes and pairs of shoes;
Traded cartoons for daily news.
My fears have finally dwindle some;
To fewer than when from you I’d run.
A cold dark room really isn’t scary.
And monsters aren’t so big and hairy.
As days go by at lightning speeds;
And every want backseats to needs;
More mature fears plague my heart;
When the ones I love slowly depart.
I wish those years were mine once more,
Knowing what aging had in store.
Would’ve taken better care of baseball cards;
Run a couple extra yards;
Been less skittish, felt less afraid;
Showed the love that needs repaid.
So if you’ll agree and you don’t mind,
Allow me time to please rewind,
And now that seat beside you take,
With no thought to flee, no fear, no quake.
Every hug I’ll take back too;
Forevermore I’ll run to you.
For my uncle John, who had to wait a little longer than he should have had to for me to stop being afraid, but who waited none the less. April 26, 2005
