one day

kids trek through the crisp october air
marching their way to the local junior high
all backpacks and hoodies and sneakers
gossiping about the latest homeroom drama

it's hard to imagine that will be you one day
when our living room adventures are so big
dancing our socks off and then melting down
wrestling you into your diaper and shoes

we read stories about trucks and gruffalos
and i scold you for grabbing the dog's ears
in the backyard, you marvel at every ladybug
i've never been so dead tired or so happy

you hold my whole world in your tiny hands
every eyelash, leaping hug, and cheeky grin
while your world grows far beyond my arms
they'll always be here for you to call home