Of Arms and Hearts (or, They Grow So Fast)

 It feels like we just did this but we did it again...celebrate granddaughter's birthday!!

They grow so fast we sigh, as seasons fly through arms and hearts

Where none can tame the twinkle in time’s eye or change its ways

The child soon tries its wings, tugging on strings that love imparts

While teaching us to treasure the fleet measure of Todays

For time is never idle; none can tame or bridle clocks

Childhood’s tower of make-believe soon tumbled by hard knocks

They grow so fast we cry, while milestones make us laugh and weep

Robbing us of ready reply when we try to explain

Love’s gladness that runs rife with sorrow for what none can keep

Where each wee babe soon tests the play of love’s parental rein

The brief heaven of innocence soon startled by a Voice

As the gavel of consequence falls on the heels of Choice

They grow so fast we say, and pray the Lord their souls to guard

With angel armies, for this world is full of deadly snares

Where soon our arms are lowered and the garden gate unbarred

And off they go; but never out of reach of tender prayers

Or the eternal cradle-dear, that no child can outgrow

The heart that keeps them near no matter where their feet may go

© Janet Martin 

Grand-daughter's 'prince' freeing the princess...

Found the sweet poem above in this book!