Like an opening book

Chapter by chapter grows,

Turn the pages and look

For the story there enclosed.

Trembling anticipation -

Eager - yet afraid to know

To remain a bud unfolded

And yet be forced to grow.

Independent inconstancy

That can so sweetly plea,

Hold not too tight to my hand,

Yet, don't let go of me.

How easily I could fly,

(But not without my wings)

My aim sometimes too high

(I must climb from lower things).

Balance the knowledge obtained

Against the blue "unknown"

'Til innocence unsustained

Is by careful nursing grown

To a state of maturity

Aglow with life and health.

No danger now of wilting - - -