My small spirits:
the animals, the young children
who do not yet know the word oppression.
Sweet innocence, utter curiosity,
brave and trusting hearts.
Those sunny faces and bright eyes
don’t yet know depression.
They don’t need to know.
Please God, don’t show them.
Believe in all the good things,
the magic that turns leaves red and gold
and morphs clouds into dragons.
Watch the sky for rain; laugh hard
when someone sneezes.
You can find delight in anything.
Keep your dreams close, little ones.
Hold onto joy and travel through this world
slowly, and with those open eyes
that give me such hope.
The City of Rain and Coffee 