Your girl, wonderful and radiant,
a small flower unfolding into early bloom.

She touched my heart so deeply,
and I touched hers, I do believe.
Innocent, uncomplicated love
freely given between us two.

Sheer delight of child’s play,
tucked her in at night,
sat in the dark til Dreamland descended,
marveled that this special bliss
had finally come my way.
Joy without measure.
I thanked the Creator
-- for the first time in my life.

As we rode together that night,
shrieking and giggling,
I barely noticed your black cloud.
Though I could not have known,
this would be our final ride.

The sky is blue
and filled with your tomorrows.
Denied good-byes, farewell, dear sprite.
You must be a big girl now.