gangly, awkward,
with limbs splayed in all directions
as I learn to walk,
I meet His gaze, and my face breaks
into a doofus-ish, euphoric grin.

then, bounding full tilt,
like a toddler gallops,
unsure of how to supervise
her swinging arms and legs,
I run.

the inertia of humiliating fervor
sparks from self-forgetful joy:
a head butt into the Shepherd’s knees,
Who laughs to see the clumsy adoration of His lamb,
and scoops me up into His arms.

---

Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is He who made us
and we are His;
we are His people
and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:3