19: Like clockwork...

I pull up into her driveway

and leave the car running

the twenty steps I make to the front door

successively speed up because

I know who is on the other side

waiting on me

to come

like 

clockwork

when the nap is over and

school is done and

the sun is shining

I knock on the weathered brown door

because a little scotch tape and a little piece of paper

cover the doorbell to keep morning drop-offs at a whisper

Afternoon pick-ups, though, come with a shriek

"I do it!!!"

as little feet sprint down the wooden hallway

and little hands swing open the door 

I bend down

and he runs, blue eyes blazing

into my arms

again

like clockwork

"Mama!!!!"

I kiss his ear

and my arms squeeze his tiny trunk in 

the hug I've been waiting on

"How was today?"

"He was super; took a good nap; ate a good lunch.  Even green beans."

"See you tomorrow, little guy.  I love you."

I reach the doorknob

and he wiggles out of my arms

"I do it!!!"

and he does I follow him

out to the purring car and 

around to the back passenger side

where he waits by his door

"Mama, help please!!!"

I lift him up, nuzzle him close and

launch into a story to steal his attention

away from the car seat buckles

"Nose kiss, Mama?"

We lean toward each other and gently rub ours before

I walk on air back around the car

and buckle myself in 

We pull out of the driveway

together

Write on,
b