This poem was first published in Issue 14 (2007) of Ancient Paths literary magazine.
Hymn by Richard B. Patterson
Do not let my knowing That your blond hair Will someday gray like mine Make me miss The joy you wish to share today Because you found a snail.
Do not let my fear
That an unknown something Could take you just that quick Make me miss the wonder We both share Seeing your watermelon seed Begin to sprout.
Do not let my “wish-I-dids”
Blind me to your carefree splash In a plastic ten-buck pool Or your desperate race Against a melting ice cream cone.
You are here to bless today
And if I dwell too long In the darkness of what-might-have-been Or the fog of what-could-be I shall miss the prayer you bring.