And the Child Grows

The child is born

I stand behind the midwife

The only sound is my wife’s breathing

A final push and the baby is born

Holding our child, she gives me the brightest smile.

And the child grows

I play peek-a-boo

I hear giggles as I am recognized

The child pulls at my fingers

Glee and giggles as my face appears

And the child grows

I see the child take two steps and fall

I leap to help

The child laughs and starts again

And the child grows

Why can airplanes fly?

Can I watch The Matrix?

Why did the school ban To Kill a Mockingbird?

And the child grows

I learn to set limits: chores first

“I made a mistake,” are the hardest words

Who learned more remains the question

And the child grows

The child calls; something is wrong; I go

I hear a tremor in the goodbyes

I ask, “Five Guys or Cold Stone?”

“Starbucks?” is the response

“With scones?” I say as I drive away

A smile is returned, and we talk movies and books

And the child grows

The marriage vows echo with the force of Taiko drums

A kiss to seal the uniting of their souls

They hold hands, and it warms me more than a good whiskey

And the child has grown

The grandchildren are in bed

We drink port, nibble cheese

And talk of many things