Little one

You outshine the mourning star

The star that shines your way

Into an ever-changing world.

Little one

Let the handprint of your love

Be engraved into my heart

To help me find the way.

Not broken anymore

But free forever indeed

Let your story shine the way

To the path we’re meant to take.

The pain, that cannot be forgotten

Not buried, not hidden, not concealed

It’s fresh like open wounds

Stinging, full of tears

I know that you trusted me, loved me

Even when I couldn’t save you

It’s part of who I am

You.

I promise to live on when they are weak

To fight so I can be strong

To hold your fading hand

And never let your gift be forgotten

When life fails and hope dies

Like a lily unfolding to a blue sky

Like a young bird just learning to fly

Like a creek bubbling a content sigh

Let love be born.

Smiles keep the people around

Smiles are where joy is found

Smiles are swells that resound

Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

Smiles appear when feeling bold

Smiles shine like rays of gold

Smiles leap without being told

Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

Smiles dance this way and that

to and fro

Round and round

Together they go.

Happy thoughts.

Smiles ghost on faces pale

Smiles guard hearts that fail

Smiles fight, to no avail

Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

Smiles are a place to hide

Smiles protect what’s inside

Smiles are a liar’s bride

Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

The cobblestone path is uneven, patched over time with mismatched stone. On my way to you, the sound of my shoes hushed with my careful steps. You belong to another. As do I. Arranged marriages, which made sense at one time, now serve as stale and passionless pairings. Your shadow by the home you share with her makes my heart speed up. I step closer and your eyes shine in the street light, your smile is calm and reassuring. We hug and breathe each other in. Life is loaded into the carriage. Our chestnut horse grazing lazily in the early dawn fog. Your hand lifts my chin, your eyes meet mine. Eyes I can lose myself in, honey brown and warm, kind. No one has ever looked at me like you do. You motion with your chin, smiling... leading us to our carriage. Our new life awaits. A wooded lot with a warm wooden home stands furnished and ready for us. We ride away and neither of us look back.