I was in the shadows
fluffing the pillows
organizing papers inside manila folders
dusting the antique buffet
whatever I could do to stay close
Yet far away
You see
I like the shadows
I like to know they
can do it
while I’m not part of the mix
I like to know they
remember
my teachings
our teachings
His teachings
I want some apple juice, the smaller little requests
I can get that for you
Refrigerator doors swing wide
as do the cabinet doors
He chooses the royal blue water bottle
because of its flip top
because he knows the little likes to
remove lids and
make messes
He fills it just-so
fastens the flip top and
hands it to the smaller little
Thank you
He’s learning
to be
caring
graceful
gracious
They’re learning
to be
brothers
allies
friends
We’re learning
to be
patient
prayerful
(and sometimes)
passive
I was in the shadows
fluffing the pillows
organizing papers inside manila folders
dusting the antique buffet
whatever I could do to stay close
Yet far away…
Write on,
b
Ahhhh! The sound and the feel and the touch of your words is so good. I am thankful to be reading your writing again. And with a 17 month old grandchild I can relate to watching from the shadows as she is learning the ways of independence and blazing her own trails.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you called your younger son the "smaller little." That was adorable.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a beautiful bond of brotherhood is forming.
You do it every time, make me fall in love with the way you put your words together. What a lovely moment to capture in such a poetic way. Love the repetition!
ReplyDelete