Baby smile....

Remembering your baby smile,
your face lit up with innocent delight.
Wrapping your hand around one finger,
holding on with all of your might.

Jet black hair and big brown eyes,
wondering what the future would hold.
Growing stronger, on hands and knees,
reciting words both new and old.

Long before you entered school,
learning how to read and write.
Dressing up with cowboy hat,
cowboy boots, shorts, such a sight.

Outside you went, a big boy now,
with Radio Flyer always in tow.
Always smiling, always laughing,
forever with your ducks in a row.

Mastering your brand new bike,
roller skates, bat and ball.
Little league and cub scouts too,
always trying, giving your all.

Junior High and High School,
joining the swim team and football.
All the while, unbeknownst to you,
the winds of time subtly call.

Time for dating and spreading your wings,
all grown up or so you think.
Out on your own, falling in love,
giving all that one special wink.

God must have other plans for you,
hearing your prayers, your uncertain plight.
Leaving behind a wife and young child,
your time on earth cut short this night.

Remembering your baby smile,
your face lit up with innocent delight.
Wrapping your hand around one finger,
holding on with all of your might.

             Gary Michael, Jr.
                1977 - 2010

Written by:
Karen Palumbo
Photography by:
Karen Palumbo
5/11/2010 © All rights reserved