Morning
Susan Elliott
Mom and I talked Rules
Six years old and I said
Matter-of-factly
No running will be allowed in
My house.
Mom smiled.
And what if your child runs?
A spanking for sure, I crowed.
No child will run in my house
Without being punished.
Finger wags.
I grew up.
Ultrasound--tears, but not of joy.
Frowning, creased doctor brow
And quiet, serious tone.
Long months, happy birth, but worry.
Baby smiles and coos, but doesn't crawl
At the right time.
Walking helps and stints.
Baby shoes that hurt and strengthen and straighten.
Eventually
Baby steps.
Arrive home one evening at twenty-seven months
And four days
And my baby comes running through the house to me.
Miracle. No spanking. Tears
Of joy.
Susan Elliott
Mom and I talked Rules
Six years old and I said
Matter-of-factly
No running will be allowed in
My house.
Mom smiled.
And what if your child runs?
A spanking for sure, I crowed.
No child will run in my house
Without being punished.
Finger wags.
I grew up.
Ultrasound--tears, but not of joy.
Frowning, creased doctor brow
And quiet, serious tone.
Long months, happy birth, but worry.
Baby smiles and coos, but doesn't crawl
At the right time.
Walking helps and stints.
Baby shoes that hurt and strengthen and straighten.
Eventually
Baby steps.
Arrive home one evening at twenty-seven months
And four days
And my baby comes running through the house to me.
Miracle. No spanking. Tears
Of joy.