BELLA

Her smile lights up the room
and drives the frowns of adults
to corners where they belong
there is no space for
sorrow when a little girl
smiles
the magic of it, the ability
to make the most unbelieving
faith-filled is the gift
that comes in a small
but wonderful package
of human flesh--not perfect--
that would mean we did not
think she needs our love or
our care or attention--
that would mean we
were self-absorbed with our need
for her not to need us
but she do... and we need her
Keep smiling, beautiful
girl as you waddle
toward your future
keep smiling after
every cry, sorrow
fall, get-back-up
smile, and we will
hold your joy
as a down payment
for what is to come.

Valerie Bridgeman
© August 21, 2013