The Toddler

Inspired by Giant looks Giant in the Mirror by Matthew Kelsey

When I was a toddler

I got a fright,

And try as I might,

I cannot always,

Find within,

The clarity,

To summon enough

Comfort,

For Her.

She stirs, then frets

And asks, then lets,

Me hear and feel,

Her terror.

She looks around for solace and aid,

Emotionally thrashing,

Breathlessly slashing,

Needing a guide

To help her through,

The long ago pain,

The aloneness of being,

Todderingly little,

And Judderingly scared

Then,

I gather her up,

In an envelope of love,

Warm breath on her head,

Covered with curls,

which tickle my nose,

I stroke her back

And murmur my words,

Of velvety comfort,

Of weightily wisdom,

Assuring and steadfast,

Calming her heart,

Steadyingly melting her petrified

form,

back to its chubbily, beautiful norm.

For we two are one,

And all said and done,

When push comes to shove

Out will come love

to wrap us together

Woven for ever,

my toddler and me

my woman and her.

by Sharon Jacobsen