She gently laid him in his bed
And kissed his tired tousled head
With tiny hand outstretched he said,
"Mommy, will you hold my hand?"
"Of course, I will", was her reply.
He closed his eyes with happy sigh,
As she softly hummed a lullaby
He drifted off to sleep.
She gently stroked his sleeping brow
And marveled at the wonder how
That one so small and helpless now
Caused such constriction of her heart.
Future perils, haunting fears
Made loving eyes fill up with tears.
She whispered in his heedless ears,
"I'll guard you with my life."
"So you don't wade out too deep
When upon you dangers creep
Within my grasp your hand I'll keep.
Don't worry I'll be there."
"I'll hold your hand as you cross the street.
Clear your path and guide your feet.
Teach you to win or face defeat.
Pick you up when you fall down."
"Through happy days or nights so long
You'll feel my hand within your own.
And even when you're big and strong
I'll hold your hand your whole life long."
by Yvonne Golden