Once Upon A Time

"Once upon a time," she said
in her sweet little voice
as I watched from the shadows
outside her bedroom door.

She read each page by memory
to her captive little audience
of devoted teddybears
that had gathered on her bed.

Eyes intent, finger poised,
she gently tipped the book,
so the little honey coloured bear
could get a closer look.

She told the story word for word
as I watched her curl her toes,
and wrinkle up her nose,
each line engraved inside her head.

The words became enchanted
painting pictures in her mind 
while in awe, her teddies listened, 
little button eyes open wide.


july 2004
© Janet Reid