Happiness

Look at the child,

Does he have any care?

His shirt is crumpled, pant torn,

His shoes show wear and tear,

But his face glows with happiness

As he somersaults on the ground,

Unaware of the loneliness

That pervades my mind.

I recall my own little one

His small rounded hands

Holding mine in a clasp

Walking along the sands

His face engulfed in happiness

As he felt the mud giving way

Under his little feet

As the waves lashed and receded.

My thoughts go back in time

Nostalgia holding me in its grip

My son is now in foreign lands

In search of greener pastures

I go forward to the child

And hold out my hand

He gazes in wonderment

As I wait in eager anticipation,

My heart is full of happiness

When he shyly takes my hand in his.