Melissa was a strange, strange child; Less human she appeared than elfin; With thoughts as wild and eyes as dark As dusky caves she hid herself in. Shy chipmunks were at ease with her; And squirrels poised upon her knee. She loosed her sweet, self-fashioned songs With tilted head against a tree. She floated like a wisp of cloud Up mountain trails too steep and high. At night, her swiftness trapped in bed, Her bright, caged eyes would find the sky. With windy spaces her delight; And wayward paths to roam at will -- Oh, now it must be hard for her To be so mute and lie so still. |