Tender Eyes Ears Hearts
for Caroline Bird

we've been invited to read for babies
without a word of warning

them to meet the verse I've written
selected this evening for this occasion

but for children's eyes, ears
must confess, I was not prepared

too rough possibly, my verse
for their uncertainty, for their shores

too rough blow possibly
wind and water up against soft rocks
of which they're made

how much corrosion in one evening
or will I test the fabric of which they're made
stretch what they are able to withstand


© Obediah Michael Smith, 2010
7:05 p.m. 14.07.10