Muddy Footprints

I was 5 the first time,
I flew through the door
Leaving muddy footprints
All over the floor

You only laughed
And with a cheerful grin
Began the task
Of cleaning again

As an adolscent 13
I stamped through the door
Purposefully leaving
Mud on the floor

You rolled your eyes
As I stalked to my room
And with a shake of your head
Reached for the broom

I was 19 the next time
I walked through that door
And forgot, once again
To keep mud from the floor

You gave me a hug
And asked what was the rush
Before smiling and turning
To pick up the brush

At 25 in my wisdom
I stepped through the door
Not bothering with worrying
About mud on the floor

My visit made you happy
Though a temporary stop
And humming you gleefully
Reached for the mop

37 saw my last visit
As I closed the old door
Being careful of keeping
Mud from the floor

You would no longer clean
With a smile on your face
Yet I pray that your passing
Gave me your grace