UNDERFOOT
Copyright DEC 2008
Word count: 182
Based on life with my son.
He is random, unstoppable
unless I take a step with burdened arms
then he is immovable, taunting, grinning,
pushing from beneath
I am all strings and wonky joints
marionetted
tangled, tripping, halting, slumping
awkwardly from above
see you later alligator,
see you later alligator,
see you, see you ...
Yet
when he is gone I start at every sound,
unnerved by the sudden still...the hush upon these rooms
willing him to call out...to shift and chirp in his sleep
his bear sleeps alone in his bed,
holding onto his scent
of earth
of green
of cologne and lavendar...lingering reminders that hint of those who held him close
of little boy soap, of clean baby hair,
of a whiff of before-bedtime cocoa.
I remain on alert...
eyes to the front,
ears to the ready,
awaiting the cry I keep thinking I hear
pricking for the soft, uncertain treads
of feet that aren't even there.
see you later alligator,
see you later alligator,
see you, see you...
... after while