On Watching Innocence

A pretty girl in pleated dress of red,
with collar laced in white beneath her throat
and matching bow upon her small blonde head,
is glancing round the chapel. I take note.

Though nails on little hands show grown-up paint,
she emanates no guile.  She’s unaware
That in this world are some who wish to taint
all innocence; for no one do they care!

She nuzzles her dad’s face as on his knee
she’s sitting now - his sweet beloved daughter.
What menace lurks, from which she could not flee?
What evil lessons might one day be taught her?

She hugs her daddy’s chest; I watch and pray
she’ll live to hold a child her own one day.


In Memory of the 20 + 7 new angles of heaven~ "our own little poetry soup VIGIL"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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A   Avatar
January 22, 2013 at 10:16 PM
soup mail...
Shetley Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 9:20 AM
I adore this piece. The world is ever changing and never for the better it seems.
Sefunmi Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 6:37 AM
This is a lovely and touching poem
A   Avatar
January 8, 2013 at 2:28 PM
Hola Andrea my poet friend, stopping by to say hi and read your winning poem in the "" poetry soup VIGIL"'' contest by my sister Sidney... a nice and heartfelt poem to read. have yourself a good day. always & forever ~LINDA
Babcock Avatar
January 7, 2013 at 10:12 AM
An awesome write on this poem Andrea. The poor parents hearts are so broken. My heart goes out to them. love phyl Could not write a poem for I would be in tears thinking of this sad time.
Thorn Avatar
January 5, 2013 at 12:15 AM
This is beautiful and even though it's about a father & his daughter, I relate being a Mum to my one and only daughter, who I worry about constantly. These thoughts plague my mind every time she is not at my side. So many innocent Angels are taken away cruelly that I pray that my daughter will be one of the 'lucky ones' that will live to see her Great Grandchildren running around one day.
A  Avatar
December 29, 2012 at 7:20 PM
Andrea, wishing you the best to come, and , congrats with the warmness and compassion from your pen~SKAT
Eastman Avatar
December 28, 2012 at 11:22 AM
This one really draws you to the reality by seeing it from the perspective of a young child at he church... Perfectly well done!
Ober Avatar
December 26, 2012 at 6:05 PM
This is absolutely beautiful. You penned it flawlessly. I'm going to fave this one.
Cavanaugh Avatar
December 26, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Wow, another awesome poem Andrea. This is going among my favorites. Excellent work.
Anish Avatar
December 25, 2012 at 5:24 AM
Reminds me a little of Longfellow's "The Children's Hour" Ever read that poem? I hope you and yous are well. I am off from work for a few more days. ESL teaching is nor easy but it is quite inteerestg - don't you think? Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Johnson Avatar
December 24, 2012 at 9:29 AM
Beautiful Andrea. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Our hearts watch closely, these little ones. Little daughters and little sons. In a world that has it's perils. We're filled with joy when they sing their carols.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 24, 2012 at 7:42 AM
My comment for your poem became a poem.
Sivey Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 9:21 PM
I just want to wish you a very merry Christmas my friend!
Harrell Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM
Love it, Andrea. Kids are so innocent. They sure don't know anything. I feel for these families and for those little kids that have gone through this. So sad.
Kendrick Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 5:43 PM
Good luck in the contest...Reads like a winner to me..Enjoyed reading this eve..That was a terrible tragedy..Satan has a way of trying to destroy Christmas..Thanks for stopping by..Your presence at my work was uplifting..I have been busy with Christmas but my family's day is over now..Sara
Horsman Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 4:21 PM
this is lovely Andrea, yes and very sad,, ....
Campi Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 2:22 PM
THis is a wow! poem. This poem is also so very sad. May you have a wonderful Christmas, Jancarl
Lamoureux Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Very sad what evil lies beyond the walls of innocence. This is a very special piece Andrea.
Williams Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Andrea good tribute to an awful incident...Merry Christmas my friend ..have a peaceful time...David
Gasun Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Hi, Andrea! Your new poem is so beautiful! An excellent dedication indeed! A winner for me. How, i wish I've enough time to write poem this time. Well, wishing you all the luck and all the best with your family expecially this coming Christmas and New Year! Good night now! I'll try to be back here tomorrow or on the 26th when other important activities are over. God bless you always. love and big sweet hugs, Leonora
Austin Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 9:53 AM
I have two black cats indoors - one is a kitten, but I have five or six that come to eat on our front porch. Your poem fits any day and age, but especially this one. Lay some of the blame on the media - television and movies - they all stress sex. Timely write. More Merry Christmas to ya. Love, daver
Andresen Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 9:36 AM
A quick visit to your nice poem. - Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas! - / / Send you a big Christmas hug!! Anne-Lise :) - / /
Angel-Simon Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 8:13 AM
great piece Andrei... Ingredients of sagacity... the child will someday grow to be called MAMA by her son or daughter. but that in itself is not certain... this Life! nicely penned... Love... Angel... Thanks for stopping by my poems.
Duncan Avatar
December 23, 2012 at 2:09 AM
nicely put together Andrea, since I was little, 6 - 7. I've always thought. Some spirits/angels come down to earth to die/ pass away still in their innocents , just so mankind can show/ have more empathy. I've read a few times,, we write up our own contracts on life . Before we come down .
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