I am the Lucky One

Down by the Ocean in your two year old rock kitchen,
you made me breakfast, scrambled tofu, toast, orange slices.
We both cup hot tea in our hands,
taking imaginary sips.
I am the lucky one.


Hide and seek with the spiders,
bread for the seagulls,
we watch the lapping water,
unnoticed, from between our crevassed hiding places,
while others are on their way to "real" jobs.
I am the lucky one.


Autumn, the time of your birth reminds me,
"This day shall not be your burden, but your delight."
I don’t know where I’m going or where I’ll be when you’re grown,
but right now,
I am the lucky one.


We go into the Co-op for a treat,
smoothies and a cinnamon raisin bagel.
Mine go down quickly, thoughtlessly,
while I delight in your company,
Sticky fingers and full mouth,
you’re in no hurry.
Shoppers smile at your good-natured ways.
I am the lucky one.


A day of errands, I need a book.
No one notices, amused, as I do,how you sit in the window ledge,
warmed by the sun,
among much older readers in the bookseller’s shop.
Your face holds the same serious expression as theirs,
while you read a ghostly tale,
upside down.
I am the lucky one.


Errands finished, we’re back outside,

Singing a song, we walk towards home,

Watching the birds as you ride on my back,

you learn about nature and birds’ preferences for crumbs rather than bagel chunks.
Harried passersby pause, your joy in the ordinary, contagious,
as you point and say "Wassat?", swinging your yellow rain boots.
I am the lucky one.


The day is done.
I tiptoe to our family bed.
Tucking you in, I kiss your soft forehead and whisper thanks for the day.
Feeling gratitude to God and wondering why
I am the lucky one.