Kaleidoscope

A woman stands before you, self confident, responsible, smart,
But if you look beyond my facade, you'll see the child dwelling in my heart.
I succeeded at adulthood; it's a simple thing to do,
The lines, the roles, the performances are all written out for you.
To do what is expected, is actually a mindless task,
Grow up, find a job, get married, and wear your happy mask.
Oh, it is so much harder to see things as children do,
To see the magic in mudpies, to ponder the sky being so blue.
Catch tiny little lightning bugs, seal wishes on their wings,
As they are released, your wishes come true-only a child knows these things.
Walk along the shoreline, cool waves tickling your toes,
If you look out at the ocean, you'll see mermaids at play-this a child knows.
Stroll within a forest, glance behind a tree,
The eyes of a child might see a fairy, and if you saw it, it must be!
The world holds so much wonder, so many things anew,
Mysteries to figure out, dreams to make come true.
An adult's life is easier, colors fade, music quiets, the dying will start,
I refuse to allow my adult eyes, to dim the kaleidoscope in my heart.

Jacqueline A. Wittek~Maxson