Late, late, late he replies
Dashing on before us
His white tail puffing in the breeze
I don’t like being late I whisper to Alice
Who knows what you will miss
Or how things will be
She giggles
I am sometimes late
Like getting lost in an adventure, she says
Then I forget it is time for tea or lessons
Where are we going I wonder
But it really doesn’t matter
That is the nature of things
Just putting one foot in front of the other
Moving forward in time and space
Like a game of chess
She claps her hands in glee
Most curious how you get older
But at the same time younger
Whilst I stay small forever
I hope one day you have the gift of age
I tell her
It really is rewarding
No more running or falling down holes
A belief in yourself and the world
No need to escape any more
She sighs, sounds divine
I like how your hair turns silver
And your world grows bigger
Like you are not afraid any more
I stop and think
Perhaps I am a little more curious
A little less afraid
Rabbit disappears
We do not have to chase him
Shall we take tea by the river, asks Alice
Now it is my time to clap my hands and delight
We watch the sun set behind the trees
The river turn from blue to black
Reflecting the stars and moon
Soon we will go home to bed
And dream, sleep peacefully
Time really is both a puzzle and a reward
We are glad it marches on.
