I remember when you were so tiny
that I could cradle you in my arms
and watch you sleep -
so oblivious to the world.
When you awoke, you'd smile at me
and curl all of your fingers
around one of mine,
and hold on so very tightly
that I thought you'd never let go.
Those same precious fingers
wound themselves around
my heart, too...
and to this day,
they have never let go.
            - Maria Shockley Erman