Small Voyagers

[book cover from amazon.com]

Little voyagers on the stormy sea,

the tide brought you in

to spend some time with me,

and so we tarried for a joyous while,

my pleasure to find ways

to make you smile.

The tide swooped in and carried you away.

I had to hide my tears and wave goodbye.

Your journey yours to make, your hopes held high,

I didn't want for you to see me cry.

But yesterday I saw you once again -

those radiant smiles, those happy little-boy grins,

and Baby Girl, a vision all in pink:

my own heart filled with your happiness

to the brink.

The tide, the tide, we journey on the tide,

and sometimes it can be such a bumpy ride.

But radiant days are scattered, too, all through,

and one was yesterday, once more seeing

you.

Weary Wild Woman

Hi kids. This weekend I had a two year old visitor sharing my tiny space for three days, so his foster mom could have a break.

It amazes me, caring for these kids, how resilient children are, and how ready to laugh and be happy are their little spirits. This little lad has already been taken from his family, and bounced a bit in the system. He lucked out by being placed in one of the best homes in Port Alberni, with my friends, and after a few months is starting to feel more settled.

He really took to me, the two times I saw him before he came to stay, and he did really well staying in yet another new place for the weekend. With my hair, all I had to do was say "Boo!" to him and he collapsed in fits of giggles. His face, when he laughs, expresses pure joy and happiness, and it was fun to find ways to make him crack up.

He reminds me very much of one of the little ones I looked after for years, who was adopted last summer and moved away. Bittersweet to see those same round cheeks, and feel that trusting little hand take mine as he strutted importantly around with his Spiderman backback!!!!

We went to Walmart to buy him some Spiderman stuff and found the coolest Star Wars light saver that lit up red, and delighted us both every single time. And, by chance, we found Star Wars on tv later that day as we were clicking the channels. I told him, "Look! Thery have light savers like you!" and immediately this little creature leaped in front of the screen, making all the moves the figures on the screen were making. It was just too cute.

There was a moment when he was reflecting. He doesnt have very many words that are identifiable. But out of the blue he looked at me and said "wolf" with a tone of total awe. Maybe Pup was near.

Jasmine is WONDERFUL with little kids. In such a small space, with her the size of your average walrus, she had to find corners to try to keep out of the way. She is very still and careful around little ones. She  got a nice treat after he went home for being so accommodating.

Wild Woman is very tired today. My house is tidy and quiet again and I will be traveling around online to see all I missed through my busy weekend.

I am hoping a poem will find its way through my exhausted neurons, but it isn't feeling likely at the moment :) Bear with me, please. I know another poem is in there somewhere!