when children fall

we pick them up,

not just our own

but any child,

damage is damage

after all, so

we dust off clothes

dab at cut knees

wipe bloody noses,

when children become

adults the damage is

not as easy to see,

self-pride having

already bandaged

wounds, threadbare

humour masking pain,

our children will always

be our children, no matter,

what, keep them close,

damage is damage

after all.

© Graham R Sherwood 05/25