She Was Twenty-Five

There once was a child, she soon would be three. She felt safe upon her grandfather's knee. For when he was near, she felt his love dear. And in his presence she never felt fear. But he went away and worked many days. And she stayed in a house where anger preys. Afraid to speak and afraid to express – She withdrew; lost smiles knew her soul's recess. And so it was; silent tears sorrows knew As from childhood to womanhood she grew. Then, came the day that her grandfather died. Happy memories of him thrived inside. It was through his love that her “self” survived. Until joy found her…she was twenty-five. © Dane Smith-Johnsen June 30, 2010