Yesterday, against admonishment,

my daughter balanced on the couch back,

fell and cut her mouth.



Because I saw it happen I knew

she was not hurt, and yet

a child's blood so red

it stops a father's heart.



My daughter cried her tears;

I held some ice

against her lip.

That was the end of it.



Round and round: bow and kiss.

I try to teach her caution;

she tried to teach me risk.