Today it really dawned on me

At what took place today

The little fingerprints I saw

From my little ones at play.

I became somewhat upset

As I looked through smudgy glass

I wondered was it necessary

To touch each thing they pass?

Each time they come to visit me

My heart just swells with pride

But when they left to go back home

T’was then I sat and cried.

I wiped off all the fingerprints

They left while they were here

I thought it most important

To make them disappear.

Now that my house is clean again

No fingerprints left behind

I realize what I truly miss

How could I be so blind?

Those fingerprints are memories

Of a child so innocent and pure

I’ll always leave one unwashed

From now on, you can be sure.

Our little ones grow up so fast

Right before our eyes

Lets savor every moment

For we all know how time flies.

So when they come to visit you

With sticky hands held out

Just take time to remember

What little children are all about.

Oh, I see a fingerprint

One I must have missed

But you can bet I’ll leave it there

And seal it with my kiss!

~Author~

Ruth Ann Mahaffey

©Copyright 2001