Summer son

We walked tonight, the dog and I, while a little person we haven’t met rode along inside.

A distant baseball game and the sound of backyard sprinklers are clearer than ever on this cloudless evening.

And I hum as I stroll and dream about holding his hand – tomorrow? Next week?  Surely, God, no more than that?

And it’s as though my little passenger is reading my mind. A determined hand reaches up, up, pushing against the wall of his small world.

An invisible hand with five tiny fingers – so close yet so frustratingly unkissable just yet.

So for now I playfully push back and swallow some night air

and I wonder if my son can taste it the same way I can -

If he can appreciate the smell of wet wood chips and the freshness of a summer night and the rhythm of a tiny dog yanking eagerly on her leash.

His hand nudges the barrier between us once again, and I stop wondering.

He’s a son of summer, this one.  

July and I will be his first loves.

It's time you met me. (a guest post by Buttons Bagley)

Hello. 

I am Buttons.

Let me tell you about myself. 

Some formalities when you come to my house: 

• I will stand up and hug you.
• You must pet me behind my ears.
• I believe we are friends now. Please do sit down so we can snuggle.

Some facts about myself:

• I am gentle, unless you are a grasshopper or chew toy. Then you must watch out for me.

• I will still like you after a bath, but please allow me 15 minutes to not be your friend.
• I will still like you when you put me in my cage. But when you return, can we hug and snuggle? 
• I know I am not allowed on the bed at night.  This is a rule I choose to ignore.

• Walks are my favorite activity.
• If I cannot go for a walk, please do at least open the blinds so I can sit in the windowsill and stare at the cat across the street.

• I will get embarrassed and walk away if you catch me eating from my bowl.  
• Belly rubs make me forget all my troubles.

Nice to meet you. I love you. And you and you and you.  Can we please snuggle now? 

P.S. I do not like snow boots. Please watch this video of the saddest winter day.

April showers

I’ve never felt so safe

As when we’re lying in bed

While the rain falls on our roof

And the dog sleeps at our feet

And we hold hands

while I drift softly in and out of dreams.