It is said
That you stumble
Into love that
It catches you
As you fall
Awkwardly at life
Once tripping your
Outstretched arms held
Me helped me
Steadied me put
Me on my
Feet and walked
With me until
I walked alone
At which point
You then disappeared
Sometimes love appears
Like the hands
Of God when
We’re our worst
Making us better
I miss you
This best love
Like roller coasters
The thrill comes
In the wait
Once you’re riding
It goes past
So fast that
You lose breath
Just like life
Looking down on
You from baby
Heaven you were
Excited and waiting
Now here most
Of us ride
The life ride
With eyes closed
Praying for a
Very quick end
To these things
Keep eyes open
Making your memories
Like a child
Books in hand
I sit waiting
Tapping and wondering
If I’m forgotten
Like a dog
By the gate
Watching for the
School bus crest
The hill yonder
Hoping it’s soon
Like the driver
Caught running late
In snarly traffic
Watching his watch
Time slipping by
This is me
Rapunzel in tower
Dreaming of that
One thing that
Will rescue me
Not from what
I am but
Will make me
Surely what I
I could be
And once again
Once the excitement
Of the newness
Has worn off
Like a birthday bike
I lean against
The garage wall
Never taken out
For an adventure
Once shiny new
Now I’m old
Tarnished and rusty
Not even my
Bell sings but
Simply tinly taps
If only once
My streamers flew
I’d know what
Freedom is like
Why oh why
Am I passed
Over for something
Shiny and new
Like licking batteries
Or playing with
A mousetrap and
Getting snapped mistakes
Are simply lessons
To be learned
Tools in toolbox
Cautions in decisions
Fear not the
Shock or snap
For if one
Doesn’t try one
Doesn’t learn like
Ducks crash landing
On icy skillet
Ponds or cubs
Climbing in trees
Bouncing when fall
We are always
Always learning something
Especially in love
HARLAN DIDRICKSON 