L’Enfant

A child is on the ice,

intrepid though uncertain.

His fellows pass him by –

smiles of concern but no regrets.

He hides his little fear so well

that no other can really see

or know his thoughts.

But there is one

who recognises him and

steers him from the wall.

She holds one hand and, openly,

with words that challenge certainty,

she guides him on his glide.

Smiles of concern admire them

but none can surely know,

even him, perhaps.

Her fears and dreams are there too,

yet so difficult to catch

in an ephemeral glance;

and he is so uncertain

of the path to eternity.

© Andrew Williams