THE STILLNESS

Lying in pristine stillness

The silliness of yesterday slept away

You, my child, tentatively yet casually placed a small finger to my nose

Wiping off a bit of cookie flour you found there

Our laughter chasing us as we pursued the cats in jest and play

How endearing you are, my little one

You tug fiercely at your socks

Then bring your small feet with tiny toes up to pick out a piece of fuzz

Presenting to me a gift that wrenches my heart

(Written December 22, 1999, when Kailen was one and half years old)