Alas--the balloon proves too delicate
the child too rough in her eager innocence
she is shocked and grieved
when the balloon shatters
and all she holds in her hand
is a sad ragged ordinary
piece of rubber...
the magic has died...

She weeps, not understanding...
she laments, for a loved one is gone...
she grieves for her bright, beautiful
light as air friend...

But, she is determined
to be oh, so very careful
with the next one...

(c)1998 maria davis
back to the gallery