Kelsey

each strand of Kelsey's hair is a different
tone of threaded color
gold and brown sewn like rays of sunshine and earth
her eyes the color of her summer tanned arms
her purple nails (that daddy painted)
balancing on the edge of her rounded fingers.
eight years old and beautiful, buoyant, a canvas
of hope and love to be painted with experience.
she comes to me and i help her make a wish.

Kelsey races across the yard, eager to hold
her father's hand, to balance
on his shoulders, his strength;
to be daddy's girl for one shining moment
not caring that childhood is fleeting
only knowing the world is made for playing
and running and jumping and roaming
and never
falling.

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