DAYS OF INNOCENCE

It seems like only yesterday
I was but a joyful child,
days filled with play, discovering
with all, I was beguiled.

Our home, not one of beauty, but
filled with love up to the eaves,
our garden large and bearing
all that we’d ever need.

Our grass was sparse and beaten down
by the feet of many a child,
who gathered there to romp and play
“Keep off the grass” was not our style.

Daily I would hear the call
to visit field and pond,
to commune with all creation
of which I’d grown so fond.

I watched the flights of dragon flies
the lazy buzz of fly and bee,
heard the throaty- rhythmic croaking
of frogs, nearby in the reeds.

The air was warm and scented
with grass and pond and flower,
on my back I watched clouds drifting by
in these wonders saw His Power.

I drank daily from the cool-clear spring
that gurgled in delight,
so happy just to be there
its song playing day and night.

These golden days of innocence
enjoyed from yesteryear,
I pray will always stay with me
because I hold them dear.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
May 23, 2006