So many people are in pain, deep in their quiet lives. So many of us know people we love who are in pain. This poem and these flowers from my walk are a trifle, a brief balm, that cannot cure but are given in the hope that pain can ease for a few moments. I will be taking off a week to rest and renew with my family, and in the meantime, I leave you my love and caring, especially to all the children who skin their knees, who bang their heads, who hear harsh words or who suffer even worse than that. Take care of our children everywhere, inside us and out.

Through the Looking Glass

by Lewis Carroll (1872)

Child of pure, unclouded brow
And dreaming eyes of wonder!
Though time be fleet and 
I and thou
Are half a life asunder,
Thy loving smile will surely hail
The love-gift of a fairy tale.