The Innocence of Children

by R. D. Ashby

There is the innocence of children:
we were children once; at the time,
we had no thoughts we'd call innocent,
but schemed in adult fashion.

The innocence of children is
looking back with adult stature
on small limbs, high pitched voices,
adequate among themselves.

Informed of their innocence do
children manipulate adult affections,
pressing the limits with skilful ease,
stung doubly for misdemeanors.

A child is early a wise old man,
innocence scorned as naivety;
but in adult eyes (as he looks up
into them) the innocence of a child.

25-Jan-2009

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