A Picture of Me at 2 Years Old

I hold an ephemeral life so gently in my palms.
It is so bright-eyed and rosy-cheeked,
So delicate and so unique. 
I wish I could shed a tear for it,
Knowing it has not long for this world,
But I don’t wish to drown it with sadness.
Let it thrive, live unbeknownst to weakness,
To pain, to disquiet, to agony.
Teach it only vigor, give it only love. 
Whisper softly,
I will cherish you,
You are all I have. 

-k.r.r.