The Dearest Distance

~ For my Great-Grandson Jared and my Grandchildren, Nick, Justin, Jorden, Lily, and Travis ~ There's a sweet wee lad who's growing Much too fast for me to know With shining eyes, awake and glowing And his future, bright, in tow Much too far from here for hugging Only photos, can I clutch But my heartstrings he keeps tugging For I love him very much Distance keeps him and my grandkids From the warm of my embrace Thus I arrange their pics around me And I memorize each face Still, that photo can't respond or place A kiss to bless my cheek So this furrowed face is graced instead By a tear that's apt to streak Each small child does not understand Just why you can't be there All they know is that they do NOT know The love you long to share So you pray that heaven keeps them safe From all life's hurts and harms 'Til your face knows only happy streaks And you hold them in your arms. ~ Honorable Mention ~ in the "Strand Completely New 21, Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.