Baby Steps

Small feet slapping the ground with their uneven beat

                   Short wisps of blond curls bouncing with each step

                                Arms outstretched, fingers spread wide

                                             A coo emits from full pink lips

                                                      A question formed through warm brown eyes

                                                                              “Catch me?”

                                                      Steps are slower, hesitant

                                             Fear consumes the mind

                                The heart bests faster, the floor looms closer

                   Hands open in terror in their short fall to the ground

Then, SLAP! the sound of dimpled knees falling to the floor

                   A pause, then a wail forms, lips quivering

                                Eyes meet eyes and hands push off from the ground

                                             Tiny toes brush the carpet, regaining balance

                                                      Steps began once more, eyes sliding to the finish line

                                                                            And soon feet arrive

And she falls into your arms