For Joshua at three.

You stood in your shy stance

with smiling eyes, us talking without words

it was your third birthday.

Through a hells year we've passed,

both, fleet.

You pointed out the "moon's house"

with me, gasping hopeful breaths.

In pure warm you came to words

from the cold of your quiet,

and twinkling magic

touched your tongue to tomorrows.

Now a child, wound in pure soul,

how beautiful you are Joshua.

My life is my truth,

painted with words of your innocence.

June 20th, 1982