All too short a time

for Teddy...

We treasure our children:

however charming or irritating they may be,

they are ours for all too short a time,

and the love that flows between us,

when we're hugging them, chest to chest,

can clear our hearts and souls

like a waterfall in a deep forest;

sweet, and pure, flowing through our veins

and filling our eyes with tears

even when we're ready

to chain them to a fence and walk away

as soon as the hug is over

because it's just so frustrating

that they are not exactly who we thought they'd be

or doing what we thought they'd do:

they're never just like us --

and that's a good thing -- really; trust me.
And love them.

Just love them.

* * *