Just Three Simple Words

How sweet the innocence that’s found

in children and the elderly;

the joy unbounded they exude

with love both simple and profound

that for the rest of us, eludes.

The young with their straightforwardness—

a child giggles, happily

untainted by the world beyond

with no reserve or attitude

their love shared, unabashedly

both color-blind and rainbow-hued.

In turn, receiver then responds

in kind, to share this special gift

that’s given, unsolicited;

and so we’re captured in this bond

that we embrace with gratitude.

The elderly live time reversed—

they’re locked inside their solitude

so often jaded and despondent.

Yet laughter often lifts this curse:

we watch their spark return once more

to leave us humbled and subdued.

I heard your words, my heart expands

within this bond that we have shared,

this momentary interlude

between two friends of circumstance.

Within a world of happenstance,

so often words get misconstrued

or took for granted once they’re said.

Without reward or recompense

they’re left ignored as they accrue.

And what is learned through this review?

    —We must embrace each "I love you."

© Ginny Brannan 2017