Children

The London post . . .

In Their Separate Rooms
by Kenneth Durham Smith

My children asleep, 7 years apart
Each is all for the other
His face explodes with light when he sees her
She cannot leave him alone
And their faces, so similar
Their hair, so alike
Spread on her pillow and his sheet
Their breathing, a quiet conversation
Flowing between their separate darkened rooms

The Seattle riposte . . .

Upon Your First Step
by David Keith Johnson

Upon your first step up the mountain slope
you paused, and said you did not wish to climb;
Knowing your fear was no match for your hope,
we reassured you — now had come the time.

Your hesitation, tribute to our love,
was offered knowing we would send you on,
and redirect your gaze to things above,
toward heights you had already dreamed upon.

But little did your parents understand
the power of our own encouragement;
The instant we two let go of your hand,
you stepped up gamely to your first ascent,

   and well before your fearful tears could dry
   you left off climbing, and began to fly.