Dedicated To Ashley

When she first saw me She was in fear. She would do anything Except come near. Oh, I didn't blame her For her fear of my being. I was wrapped in bandages and used a walker Little kids can be afraid of those things. Then, when I was stronger I walked only with the cane. She was still too young to understand Fear was in her eyes, again. So she would cling to her mother's apron Following her around the room. Like a little caboose stuck on the back of a train As down the track it would zoom. The accident I had was painful Left me with problems that can't be cured. The hardest one of all of them Was trying to get a little girl to not be injured. Time has gone by...it's been five years past Since I hit that tree. And how time has made a differernce Between me and little Ashley. She sees me walk now without the cane And has realized that I'm no ogre. So when she sees me come into a room She smiles and doesn't go diving for cover. We play games together she and I Or use crayons and color a bit. Some days we'll play with puzzles or read, Other times we chat and just sit. It's been a wonderful journey for me To have this little one sit with me for an hour. Instead of having her to run and hide Expecting her only to cower. For there is something so resiliant in children That makes us old folks young. And when they are afraid of us Our hearts are only stung. But Ashley doesn't sting my heart Except with the love she now shows. And I feel so grateful and sillilly young From my head down to my toes. She is not my child but a niece Who has taken over the heart of an old man. Especially when she sees me coming And says, "Where've you been, Uncle Dan?" She's is now fearless and full of life And mirth and smiles and laughter and glee. So here's a birthday poem for this dark haired cutie Dedicated to little Ashley!