Just Folks

The First Steps

          Last night I held my arms to you
          And you held yours to mine
          And started out to march to me
          As any soldier fine.
          You lifted up our little feet
          And laughingly advanced;
          And I stood there and gazed upon
          Your first wee steps, entranced.

          You gooed and gurgled as you came
          Without a sign of fear;
          As though you knew, your journey o'er,
          I'd greet you with a cheer.
          And, what is more, you seemed to know,
          Although you are so small,
          That I was there, with eager arms,
          To save you from a fall.

          Three tiny steps you took, and then,
          Disaster and dismay!
          Your over-confidence had led
          Your little feet astray.
          You did not see what we could see
          Nor fear what us alarms;
          You stumbled, but ere you could fall
          I caught you in my arms.

          You little tyke, in days to come
          You'll bravely walk alone,
          And you may have to wander paths
          Where dangers lurk unknown.
          And, Oh, I pray that then, as now,
          When accidents befall
          You'll still remember that I'm near
          To save you from a fall.