For my (new) young ones III

little heart that’s in my care,

oh little heart I feel you there,

not fully formed yet,

barely dressed,

oh little heart I am impressed

by how intensely you can love and feel,

experiment with clouds and steel,

leap up behind the driving wheel

oh little heart I’ll keep you safe.

beating strong, you run the race,

determination etches along your face

in lines of laughter,

in scratches of pain

oh little heart it’s not in vain,

just come to me and sit beside,

look, here’s the map; I’ll be your guide,

and if you’re afraid, I know just where to hide -

oh little heart I’ll keep you safe.

little heart you’re so so young

oh little heart it’s just begun

I know it’s scary,

I know it’s dark,

but little heart you’re a kindling spark

and all you need is a breath of love

and your soul will be soaring with the stars above.

yes, precious heart, you’re perfect,

yes, little heart, come,

arms wide, mine are too, wider than I ever knew

they could stretch. make friends

and share your life, little heart:

you will always be safe with me.

For my young ones

Closely hold that dear heart near,

let not that sweet eye e'er drop one tear.

Dreams may come and dreams may go

but constant love will always be so.

Thus guard your heart, 'til it be ripe:

ripe to fall and ripe to fight -

wine, not grapes, your sweet heart be,

but wait, my child, be patient and wait.

Wait for true love's constancy.