full and fuller

they find themselves anew

children are this intriguing combination

both of the full and of the partial,

of being complete in themselves at each step

and of finding new levels within themselves

as new landings are gained,

the personalities of our nine and six year-old granddaughters

feel wondrous and sure in the wholeness of each who acts,

in the firmness to know one’s self,

in the openness to learn answers to questions,

in the solid foundation within the sense of self

that allows one to act,

to feel the courage to turn the page

and find themselves anew,

there is also doubt and pain and tears in the turning,

for joy needs its absence to be fresh on the page.

by Henry H. Walker

July 6, ’14