From All Who Came Before

by Chris Patterson

They are wrapped up in fine linen,
Secured with tanned leather and
Tucked away in Pandora's Box.

So close to the heart and so
Effected by experience are
Our hopes and dreams for you,
Kiera Grace.

It's fear and desire which keep them there.
Fear of the corrosion caused by disappointment.
Desire for no taint of bitterness that can be
brought on by opportunities missed..

With a catch of our collective breath,
We sacrifice what we can so you have
The chance to aspire,
The moments to wonder,
The ability to contemplate all
possibilities that can be your life.

And I can see,
even now,
your eyes are wide open to whatever
It may be, Kiera Grace.
Our hearts swell at the existence of yours.

The Author

I was born in Elmira, New York and moved around to all the hot spots of the automobile industry growing up. After graduating from Michigan State University, I worked in Chicago as a writer/producer and director of local television and radio commercials and marketing videos for local companies. In 1995, I opened a bagel shop in Hilton Head, South Carolina. When that closed in 1999, I went to work for Walt Disney Company. I currently am a training facilitator at the Disney Reservation Center. I enjoy writing poetry, especially for my family and friends. You can find me on Live Journal as cap_killer.