Little Girls and Little Boys

The world belongs
to little girls
whose hair cascade
in curls and lashes flutter
like butterflies
around their radiant eyes.

 The world’s a toy
to little boys
who nimbly run
and jump and roll
chased by the sun
in brilliant fun.

 The world is a flower
in a young girl’s hand
with magical powers
like a soft-petaled wand
that flows on her command.

 The world is a treasure
to dragon-flying boys
whose fearless feats are
measured in quantum
leaps of endless joy.

 It’s not without a trip,
a tear, a fall,
or rip, by chance,
but little girls and little boys
know how to dance
the dance.

  *  *  * 

With many years,
I still defy the aging skin
that seems to hide
the youth within,
and realize that it is a stream
that passes through
the cocoon’s dream
to bathe and be reborn again,
and infinitely again.

Poem by Laura Richardson
“Radiance in the Garden” by Sir Roland Richardson