Budding

Perfect little rosebud mouth,

You smiled at me with that;

Your giggle fell like sprinkled coins on glass.

Moonbeam eyes – a-sparkle.

Eyes like opals, round as marbles;

They follow my fingers as they flicker for you.

Skin so soft as rose petals,

An unwritten canvas;

As unfilled and full of promise as your heart or mind.

Whatever shadows hide in there, whatever pools of light,

Behind your polished eyes, your newness;

A fresh, unwritten, unspoiled soul;

I'll wait each day to see what words unfold upon you.

Until the the end of time – that's half how long I'll love you.