for the past few nights, i see an old couple sleeping at my void deck with their pretty little granddaughter sleeping soundly with them. it's quite a sweet scene but, at midnight, its not. i often wonder how come a toddler is in her pjs, sleeping on the cold table while her granny is dozing off, crouching and trying to make herself comfy on the tough looking chair while her grandpop is trying to coax her to sleep.

one day i sat at the the table, played with her for a while. she's got the prettiest eyes i've ever seen, soft curls and such lovely smile. we played high five and i took her blanket to wrap her like a bath towel. she was utterly delighted and started to run around ^^ but i felt sad. toddlers at her age should be tucked tight in their warm beds, with a warm milk bottle and a goodnight kiss or hug from their parents. but she's all awake at midnight, playing by herself while her grandparents sleeps.

i took a closer look at her. her nails are not trimmed, they're slightly dirty and she's barefooted. i cant help but asked in my heart, where are her parents?

my heart really aches when i think about the cold weather that both she and her grand parents have to endure, not to mention, the danger at night. it's raining again. i wont be surprised if i see her awak and running about at this hour tonight. i can only pray and hope that both grandparents and she will be fine...

a random thought after talking to an old buddy. we're all responsible for our deeds and our speech arent we? and as much as we like to help others and be there for everyone, we have to be selfish at times. take time or breather for oneself... that way, you can recharge and go a longer mile and help more. but there's a thin line between self centred and loving ourself...

:: river - joni mitchell ::