Begin Anew

Ducks, birds, balls, blocks.
I do not know the innocence
Of a protected childhood.

I grace my hand in ribbons,
Sprinkle toys and fairytales,
Recreate
What was never created;

Sculpt anew in the fingerprints
Of long past years;
Give the inner sleeping child
A chance to imagine.

May you wake
As from slumber
Knowing
Trains, bears, doggies, hearts.

Place in the soul of the beaten, raped,
Neglected child;
Place in the fabric of being
The childness of being child.


Michael C. Irving