Each day she cares for her grandson
While his mother works.
"I get tired," she told me, "but I love
Watching him. It's why I moved here."
During the warm fall days she was often
Outside with her constant companion.
She used chalk to draw roads on
The blacktop so he could maneuver his
Little bike inside the lines.
I greeted the two of them one day and
Got acquainted with 4 year old Arthur.
"My cousin is named Arthur," I told him.
"It's a good name."
Suddenly he said, "You're pretty."
"What did you say?" I asked.
I wasn't sure I had heard him correctly.
With a shy smile he repeated,
"You're pretty."
"What a sweet thing for you to say!
No one ever tells me I'm pretty,
Especially little boys. You really made
My day!"
He beamed at my praise, just as I
Beamed at his compliment.
Both of our hearts were blessed.
Not only do I commend Arthur for his
Tender words, but I laud his parents and
Grandma who are setting the example.
(I must add that on the following day
Arthur told me, "I like your hair.")