The eighteen wheeler drives by
red, green, and blue on the sides
speeding on, screeching at turns,
causing a fear of life,
a fear of death, a feeling which turns
as the wheels turn
sounds drilling down
deep into marrow before hitting the ground.

The truck passes, the sound dims
so all the fear felt quiets and passes.

Regret is realized as all that time
that was swept, the fear taking away
most moments till nothing was left.

Will your little hands comparable to
the tapping hands of Handel
be remembered?

Will your young mind comparable
in acumen to Curie flourish?

How much violence deflects and how much
is imbibed by your little, grandiose mind?

Remember that perfect railroad track, your trains
turning the corners of a miniature city?

We both smiled playing but your creation
brought out something unexpected
when we saw a display of his volatile spite.

He kicked the railroad, destroying your city,
your perfect dream came to an end 
as your smiled moved to sobbing, dear, sweet child.

Always remember though that imagination,
like elemental energy, cannot be destroyed
and no matter the destruction
we will wait for the emergence of your genius
as distinct as Da Vinci’s.

One day, you will flower again
with sweet stems outstretched,
absorbing all light, shutting out
any darkness that comes your way.

The streets are wide, everything is green,
floating in the air, a pervading sense of peace.

I stand in your villa, an open expanse
everywhere the eye can see.

I stroll through open avenues,
I stroll with you, the owner of all this beauty.

Leaving the parameters, we walk down the street
the breeze is just right as flowers fall delicately
pink and white among the lush green.

As we turn the corner, a store surfaces
with everything we need
while neighbors smile warm smiles
chatting with us in Spanish.

We head back, enter through the gates,
returning to finish with preparations
as guests wait.

You’ve worked this day like every other,
so strong, so brave, even on your wedding day.

I guide you to the veranda where we sit for a second
remembering everything that brought you to this moment.
Then, your façade fades as you admit that
life can be difficult, but I hold out my hand 
help you up and send you on your way.

The sun goes down as I join the crowd.
The cool breeze touches my face 
as I wait for you to take the stage.