Fireflies at Dusk (for my Caiden Leigh)

Big, bright, brown eyes.

Tousled fine hair and golden skin.

Tiny blue jeans and little pink sneakers

with dirty smudges.

Purple and yellow flowers

plucked from terracotta pots

clutched tightly in warm little hands

with dirty smudges.

Fresh fruit from the gentleman

with broken English and a wide grin

for a little lady waving friendly arms

with dirty smudges.

Brave chubby legs strong with triumph

conquer the jungle gym.

Smiling proudly down – soft little cheeks

with dirty smudges.

Sit like a big girl!

on the train, on the bus.

Crossed primly at the ankles – sweet little legs

with dirty smudges.

Suspicious, rough, hard men

smile at the angel on the sidewalk

blowing kisses at strangers – little red mouth

with dirty smudges.

Sweet baby girl chasing butterflies in the sun.

Bright baby girl chasing fireflies at dusk.

Tight baby hugs that always leave

dirty smudges.

November 24, 2009