naptime

I laid down with you today

(Bear was in the wash)

you slung your arm around my neck

warm yogurt breath down my cheeks

you whispered,

Mommy, you maeel pitty

Mommy, you smell pretty

I wondered how much longer

you would be holding on

how many years do I have left

            of being Your Only Girl?

of compliments and kisses

and jealous hugs when Daddy loves

---

My promise is to love you

to build you up and make you strong

to let you risk and kiss the wounds

to help you find who you’ll become.

One day, you’ll see Another Girl

more beautiful than me

you’ll pour your soul into her

and be her everything

you’ll take the strength we’ve lent you

and the strength you’ve found on your own

you’ll build her up and make her safe

and together you’ll create your home.

---

For now, I’m holding onto you

and Bear and naps and yogurt breath

from here to there and what lies between

you’re my precious son; I call myself blessed.