Intrusion of Maturity

Dog runs, Dog jumps, Dog chases, Dog plays. I watch the innocent pup As she tumbles, Tripping over a stone. This bright, beautiful world! She celebrates it with a bark. A child chases her And the child laughs. I pray for them; The innocence expressed In their jubilation at life Is what should be At this time. I pray that they will stay Young and innocent And carefree For much time yet to come. I watch them play together For a time And finally fall asleep And nap side-by-side In the new spring grass. I take my journal and go home, Feeling uncomfortably grown-up And as though I am intruding.