Still there to catch me when I fall . . .

I fell; you held me tightly, Soothed me as I softly cried. I failed; and you consoled me And showed pleasure that I’d tried. I feared; your hand held my hand, Pulled me closely, quelled the fear. I slept; you stood guard by me, I could rest when you were near. I laughed; you joined in with me As I played a childish game. I sulked; you then rebuked me, Though you loved me just the same. And now, with years advancing, When I don’t know what to do,

Judith Blatherwick, Garvald, East Lothian. The child in me emerges. She still reaches out for you.