The age you enter turning ten today
begins a stage of change I can't reverse
or even stall with pleas that you delay
maturity you welcome, though I curse
the end of pleasures you provided while
as rounded child you filled my home with toys
and trilling songs that amplified your smile
and spread the warmth of your vivacious joys.
Remain that vernal girl, by seasons grown
to womanhood that owns all Eden's art
yet keeps the childish wonderment we've known
through ten small years till now you step apart.
Retain your early beauty, verve and grace
while I subsist on wealth you lent this place.