A once familiar spirit ascended my stair
A young heart, sweet, paused short there
A young woman blooming to eye’s delight
She progressed up each tread, then, from sight

To gather my view, with past reminiscing
I looked for babe, Blue: for years gone missing
There sits a picture of tender and true
An infant turned toddler, still time runs askew

I saw a stranger, descend with soft sigh
She’s loves’ promise, from my beloved and I
Her dreams are her own, as are her worries
Times flies far ahead, as I’ve asked, “why the hurry?”

The sweat and devotion, toil of years
Is memories’ slow motion; I fight back the tears
Where are you, my child? I search time’s coast
Wading the tide pools: laughter, missed most

Sun of the high noon reflects from hair
As joy runs by waters, splashing for dare
Few are such days, exulting carefree
That father and daughter played by the sea

  I am the old man; it’s life’s plan, I gather
No re-setting the clock of this walk, though I’d rather
To have and to hold is a fleeting spring breeze
Fall destined soon, baring life’s trees

I saw a stranger abiding my home
She’s absorbed in long study
And scarcely can roam
Her mind and her form have dearly grown
As my reckoning takes refuge in years past sown