[innocent]

not to know the scrutiny of another's watchful eye

not to know you're being viewed, but to look outside and sigh

to be free to feel enraptured by the beauty that you see

and not to know it's staring back in smug complacency.

how wonderful to be so sweet that sweetness is your prize

to have a set of chubby cheeks and pools of joy for eyes.

but will it save you from the world? no, you're not made immune

just because your smile is warm and you sing a cheery tune.

not to care what others think, not to know the sting

of a thousand angry judging eyes must be a wonderful thing.

just to care for what you see and live for what you know

is freeing and lovely and happy and best - a child told me so.