THE PONDERING YEARS

I ponder now, great things I see

Like gummy bears and trucks with wheels

And sounds I make, like a dinosaur,

a growling lion, a snarling bear.

It’s difficult for me to see that

connections really do exist;

that consequence falls into view

and certain things I just don’t get.

Did you know Nana’s fish don’t like champagne,

or Daddy’s walls, my paint?

I really thought I could ride those stairs

but am comforted as I explore my lair

and get to bump and rant and fall and sprawl

on table tops and things too tall.

So, remind me again that several eggs, when they fall,

will make mommy frown while she ponders me anew.

But teach me, please, that clothes don’t like pens

and books don’t like rips and that I can’t walk on the road.

Because I ponder now and great things I see

and need to know there are watchful eyes on me

to help me through this toddler time,

these pondering years of mine.

Heather Reynolds

Easter Sunday 2006