Chubby little frog

Too tiny, too innocent to be a real human being

Though it's been undeniable from the beginning

That are you are more a person than many other claimants I know...

Every new love washes away trite would-be wisdom of youth

And other times long past

So I can only smile and silently marvel

Superficial words worming their way

Uselessly, but not without effort:

Now, younger than I would have thought

(If ever) I'd realize

The place we each assume in the cycle of death

And of life.

For as I kiss your bright blue eyes, I see how close

And far they stand.

And truly, now do I realize

As I rock you drowsily, your hair

Like duckling's down against my hand

How through the acceptance of pain and finality

In this fleeting transition to reality

We may suffer, laugh and praise our way

To such simple, God-gifted joy.