Gentle Moments

Gentle moments, one by one,
Tiptoe softly 'round my days--

A tender hug that makes
her young and heavy eyelids close at last;

A boy cuddling his elephant with blue and thoughtful eyes,
content on the floor;

A daring leap from a large rock,
then laughter as he rises to jump again;

An earnest tug at my hand as she insists, "c'mon,"
eager to show me an ant,
which she then observes closely, flat on her tummy,
her brow furrowed with silence and wonder--

These punctuate the time, like soft, gentle breezes
woven between the daily duties and frustrations and unsureties.

They are easy to miss and forget,
but that will not happen today.
Today, I will feel the breeze and sigh at its loveliness.
I'll let it cool my worries, and wipe the dust of care away.

And I'll keep the memory safe in a heart that is full and grateful,
ready for recalling when the breeze is replaced
with violent storms or hopeless doldrums.

Then my children, whose innocence and goodness
I try my best to nurture, shape, and protect,
Will return to protect and nurture me
With memories of our soft, gentle moments.