"Where are you going, little one?
What do you see, babygirl?"
But she keeps on strolling by
Pointing at each new wonder
That she's never seen before

The sand, the birds, the ocean
The grass, the squirrels, the trees
It's a new world to her
A world of wonder
And I get to see her witness it all

She waddles to the stone wall, looking back
"I've got you, little one."
Taking her in my arms, up she goes
And she stands on the wall, looking all about
Eyes wide, mouth open, she points

I follow her finger to see what she sees
I want to know why she's smiling
And when I see it I smile too
Mommy's there, grinning at the little one
"Do you see Mama?"

And then she opens her mouth again
Her smile captures my heart
Her bright eyes looking into mine
Before she looks back at her mother
As if realizing just how beautiful she is

And I'm captivated all over again
Her mother tucks her hair behind her ear
Walks over to us with sparkling eyes
And puts her hand on my waist
Head against my chest

My two perfect girls together
Until the little one sees something interesting
And runs off on her own again
Her mother and I can't help but laugh
"She gets that from you," she says

"Pretty sure it's from you."
"You're always off exploring, sweet.
Definitely from you."
I kiss her forehead gently, look into her eyes
"We should probably go after her."

The sun is starting to set slowly
The red and brown leaves cling to the trees
My leather jacket rubs against her flannel shirt
And we chase down our little girl
Following her into the future