THE CHILD

Beyond the times that could have been,
Beyond the times I've known,
Lives a tiny, helpless child,
A girl who's not yet grown.

She searches for love and kindness,
The caring of the world;
Strong arms to hold her safe and warm,
A lap on which to curl.

Wave after wave of suffering
Pull me far away,
From the sun filled island shore
Where the child runs and plays.

I call out to her in hasty warning,
For danger lurks nearby;
The clashing and crashing of the sea
Drown out my panicked cry.

The sea then pulls me into its heart,
Swallowing me deep:
Harsh water fills my gasping lungs;
The ocean plays to keep.

My final sight upon that beach
Is of the child's smile;
She waves to me and says, "Farewell,
For I'll meet you at this isle."

I wonder at her simple words,
Not easy to understand,
Then I realize: I am the girl
Who plays upon the sands.