Almost missed it when
first I looked glancing
in the child's direction;
but it was there
just on the edges
of the tears freely
washing the cheeks
this one so young.

As I walked towards
this child with the little
smile, little arms came up,
saying "hold me, I need a hug."
So there we were in a foyer;
this little child kinda of warm,
yet cold and sad but with strength.

Soon as always happens
a parent appeared to apologize
and I said, "No - it isn't needed.
You see your child taught me,
that if you look in the eyes
and see the hidden smile,
love and attention was all."

Thus away my new friend went
to be found by mom or dad;
(and alone I ponder why
would a child trust me
within their tears of fright?
Enough to smile at me
with tears washing their cheeks;
holding out these little arms,
trusting one as old as me?)

Then I look somewhere above
thanking Father for such love;
knowing all we sometimes have
to do amid our tears of love,
is to smile to Him with a child's
trust, holding our arms to Him.
He'll pick us up and hold us close;
until down the path or on the phone
a friend or loved one will come.
Thus the circle never ends
of this eternal, forever love;
as these tears once again
wash my cheeks in humble
gratitude of such love.