Blessings from a Child

Blessings from a Child
by Diane Hobaugh

Sitting on the back porch sharing chips and salsa,
dog underfoot just hoping for dropped crumbs,
stopping to notice how she hunches her shoulders,
forming hand as saucer under chip moving in.
I watch fascinated caught up in her beauty.
My smile remains frozen as time marches nowhere.
She catches me looking; her smirk widens quickly.
She comes ‘round my chair to grace me with kisses.
Orange and salty lips form her upturned smile.
She cradles my chin with her two little hands.
Brushing wisps of hair to uncover my eyes
she cocks her head slightly revealing deep secrets.
Her fluid blessing flows from her heart.
My eyes brim with liquid full of compassion.
Absorbing her words fixated on her gaze,
grace-filled blessings of love freely given.
From child to mother reciprocal exchange;
a bond like no other; a gift fully present.
Moments to ponder, memories for a lifetime;
and ones for which I’m thankful I’ve been given this gift.