Toddler

Chocolate smudged on one cheek,
dimple carved in the other:
“Let’s play.”
Sweet smile, bright eyes beguile --
such a little finger to be wrapped around,
but I’m happy to oblige.

Tiny toes writhe in pleasure,
teeny fingers curl over mine.
Pudgy palms push my hands away,
but quick wrists flick and dart in,
counting ribs – one- two, threeeeeeee!

Tangerine giggles wiggle out,
spring up toward heaven –
intercepted by a ceiling fan,
hurtled back to earth
to splash across my face.

Make up the story of three bears for me,
sing about twinkling stars.
Draw a picture and tell me what it is,
hold my hand and watch the sky change colors;
yes, God is painting again.

Curl up in my heart,
let sleep settle sweet over softness;
snuggle comfort content.
Gaze up, blink, know peace...pass it on to me.

Night sets in heavy on a round face;
moonlight casts shadows under crescent eyes.
Lids drift downward, chin turned upward,
I lean in to seal toddler dreams with a kiss...

such a tiny finger, but I’m happy to oblige.

Windy Kellems 11/07/01