To Little William--December 2015

Little guy, celebrating

Your first Christmas: Hurrah for you!

I hold you in my arms and see

Life from a different point of view.

 

Welcome to the world, little one.

Keep that lovely smile in place.

You could win anyone over

With that charming, innocent face.

 

Up to now, your life has been measured

In inches and months, little small fry.

But looking at your inquiring gaze,

I wonder if you aren't wiser than I.

 

Those tiny fingers that clutch my pinkie

With strong yet dainty deliberation:

Will they help to reshape this planet

With compassion and determination?

 

In the meantime, I--your uncle--will

Enjoy watching you change and grow.

I hope the world grows kinder and safer

Before it's time for me to go.

 

(12-27-15)