This poem came from the heart, and I felt it was worth sharing with the world—at least with that part of the world, admittedly an infinitesimally small part, that finds its way to my blog. Lauren was a precocious three-year old when her aunt (my youngest daughter) penned this poem, way back in the last century (1984). The years have passed quickly—Lauren is now 25, a lovely and loving young woman, currently employed as an Early Child Development teacher while continuing her education.
The years have passed, but the Eskimo kisses and the miniature bear hugs persist.
Lauren
Before you came into our lives
Children were just toys,
To be held and played with
And then returned to their rightful owners.
Through your eyes I have seen life
As only a child can;
You bring tears to my eyes
And warmth to my heart.
I await news of your latest conquest
Of adult conversation, which you seem to
have mastered at the wizened age of three.
And though you give them at random
And with deliberate consideration,
Those Eskimo kisses and miniature hugs
Mean more than you’ll ever know.
Love,
Aunt Kelley