Stella

Stella by Edmund Siejka We were visiting our grandchildren And heard that one of them Was having a hard time Freeing himself from a car seat Concerned or Perhaps just a little curious I asked our four-year old granddaughter, Stella, show Grandpa how you get out of your car seat. Staring in my face with a slow full gaze Her blue grey eyes held me in check And I was afraid to ask what she was thinking Her little fingers moved like lightning And before I realized what she had done She was unbuckled. See? Grandpa that’s how I do it. Offering my hand as she got out of the car She answered, I can do it!! And without another word She jumped out. She knew that my wife and I practiced yoga That evening as shadows crisscrossed the summer skies Stella called out to us Standing in the center of the living room Like a little porcelain doll She waited until we were seated Then she began Her smiling face and small hands Made all the moves from the one-legged stance To arms touching heaven. We clapped and hugged her Surrounded in our arms she called out Mommy, Mommy come see what I can do. Repeating all the moves for her mother She ended her performance With a graceful pirouette. Glowing with pride and accomplishment The spirit of this four-year old child Captured our hearts.