I watched her reach for the icicle

There were so many within her reach

He gently said “Don’t take it. Let it be”.

She, being young, didn’t understand.

I, being older, breathed in her father’s words.

She too is one of many

And, she is worthy of being left alone

To grow, melt, shine, freeze, break,

Without unwelcomed interaction

Being older, hardened by experience

Sharpened by the breaks,

I could tell her about waiting,

But that is not the message I wanted to share.

I could tell her about freezing,

But know she deserves more.

I want to tell her about being honored

Even in a crowd

Even in the dirt

Especially when melting

I want her to know without asking

Without question

Her shine

Her radiance

Her essence

Is not intended to be possessed

Owned

Operated

Disturbed

She, in all her forms

Deserves to be

Admired

Appreciated

Protected

Absolutely