Pure of Heart

I met a 9 year old girl this past weekend. She was beautiful!

She was pure of heart

Simply dressed 

Beaming with innocence 

Through her fancy smile 

Of crooked teeth

Wearing her brother's hand me down sneakers

Muddy from her walks to feed the chickens

Before school, before breakfast 

She was one of six

So far

Eating in the tiny kitchen

With the bathtub nearby

She squeezed around the table 

Hoping for something other than oatmeal

Without milk or sugar

Sometimes the heat worked

Sometimes a blanket would have to do

It was a long winter this past year

It was difficult that Papa was sick

Mama was very busy

Helping

Mama still smiled though

And gave tight hugs

When she could

She was very very busy

Mama sewed the blue dress

At the last minute 

Before the show started

"I was so happy to have it", she said

"It's for special occasions now." 

"Like today, at this show."

"I really really like my blue dress." She smiled 

Her beauty poured from her heartfelt gratitude

Into my own heart 

Of wonder and wander

I found a treasure 

That cost nothing

That gave me hours and days

Of JOY

Knowing this gift of Hannah

Came into my life and

Filled my heart

With the essence of 

Pure innocence

Pure life

Pure love