To A Child Who Inquires

To A Child Who Inquires
by Olga Petrova

How did you come to me, my sweet?
From the land that no man knows?
Did Mr. Stork bring you here on his wings?
Were you born in the heart of a rose?

Did an angel fly with you down from the sky?
Were you found in a gooseberry patch?
Did a fairy bring you from fairyland
To my door -- that was left on a latch?

No -- my darling was born of a wonderful love,
A love that is Daddy's and mine.
A love that is human, but deep and profound,
A love that is almost divine.

Do you remember, sweetheart, when we went to the zoo,
And we saw the big bear with a grouch?
And the tigers and lions, and that tall kangaroo
That carried her babe in a pouch?

Do you remember I told you she kept them there safe
From the cold and the wind, till they grew
Big enough to take care of themselves? And, dear heart,
That's just how I first cared for you.

I carried you under my heart, my sweet,
And I sheltered you safe from alarms;
Then one wonderful day the dear God looked down,
And I snuggled you tight in my arms.