Fourth Place: The Wisdom of Innocence By Lynn Hope Swenk

He giggled, the two-year-old toying with water,

Engaging me with eyes full of innocent wonder.

I am here and now, immersed in his laughter;

Gazing into his soul his presence I ponder.

They say wisdom comes with age.

Time and experience are the tutors.

Yet here a two-year-old has me engaged.

Water and laughter are the lures

That magnetically draw me into the Infinite,

Calming me and exciting me all at one time.

I hear, I see, I perceive as I sit

With a wise toddler wordlessly teaching me in my prime.

About the Author

Lynda Hope Swenk is a retired teacher. She taught art in Central Florida to kindergarteners through twelfth graders for twenty eight years, both in public and private schools. After retiring, she joined the writing group at St. Margaret Mary’s Church. In addition to her love of art, she has enjoyed writing since 6th grade when her first story was published in the school newspaper.