~ ~ ~
You were a dark molasses ice-cream cone!
~ ~ ~
Chocolate fudge baked warm and shiny;
rounded and glossy as a perfectly waxed apple
bouncing in and out of the tub.
Two year old radiant princess
twirling in giggles,
with soap bubbles sticking to your
silky brown sugar skin like fancy vanilla icing.
~ ~ ~
Slick and slippery, you
leaped in and out, over the smooth edge
landing in the water on your tummy
laughing at the splashes.
Eyes like chocolate-covered cherries
with a sparkle in the center.
Tiny pearls of teeth beaming!
~ ~ ~
We stood in the doorway;
never mind the mess;
just drinking in your joy!
~ ~ ~
Oh, Danielle, you were
beautiful!
A smile to keep forever.
~ ~ ~