fierce grab to my nose or lip
as you drink your dinner on my lap
scratching the chair cushion
making milky sounds of urgency and satisfaction.
Your rosy plump cheeks like your own little pillows
and your grabbing busy fingers--
your window to your world
getting sleepy and slow
as they, too, fall asleep
bending backward against me.
heavy sleepy weight on me
I feel it when you sleep
But also when I look at you and think
Of this big world
and of what is mine to teach you
this weight is the lightest and heaviest
And I'll gladly carry it forever.
