He is full of brightness and bounce,

A dimple in his cheek

Whenever he teases

He know just how far to push his luck

Before backing down, a laugh,

“I just pretend, momma, play pretend!”

I shake my head, anger dissolving at his delighted laughter.

A scamp, through and through.

But what can I do?

He is fascinated by the world,

Asking question after question;

How does the heart work?

Does thunder melt your bones?

So wise at times,

Then the words “poopy-butt” leave his mouth

and I wince.

Contradiction upon contradiciton,

Lightning fast-punches,

followed by warm snuggles.

I get up early and sit on the couch with my coffee,

and everyday,

he calls for me,

finds me,

then lays on my lap

and closes his eyes again.

Safe in the knowledge he has his mommy there.

I hold onto these moments,

making memories.

Knowing that some day these seconds will pass,

he won’t need or want me like he does now.

Although I’m eager for sleep

and time alone,

my heart twists at the thought.

I hold him a little while longer,

listening to his soft snores,

As I drink my coffee

and close my eyes in the dark.