Strolling Along Singing a Song... Side by Side

Clara,

yesterday

you took my hand.

It wasn't just any way you took my hand
however.

Your small, delicate fleshy fingers

not wrapped around one finger

like a baby,

but holding on to many fingers,

so intent on being that way.

You took it with purpose.

You were not unsure of your footing,

you were walking like you have been

walking for years.

You were not lost, or wary of your surroundings,

in fact you were confident

in exactly where you were

and wanted to go.

You took my hand

because

you wanted to.

Because you wanted to hold my hand

and walk with me.

And when our hugging fingers

momentarily parted,

you looked at me and smiled,

and stretched until your elbow dimpled

reaching so high up

to take my hand again.

And we walked together,

holding hands,

like the best of friends.