Perspective

We read books all day,

you never seem to tire of the same stories.

We laugh and play,

you chase me in the yard.

I teach you to crinkle dry leaves,

You learn how to pop bubbles.

You don’t fear the sound

of planes flying overhead.

You eat until your belly is full.

You scrape your knee

and cry out for comfort

that wraps around you

instantly.

At night I cry,

holding those memories close

as I scroll through

video

after video

of families crying out for help.

Children under rubble,

body parts in plastic bags.

Sniper shots in the head

and heart

of toddlers barely out of diapers.

I close my eyes,
and hug their pain

tight against my chest

so I will never forget

it’s a luxury

to watch you grow.

Tatum Savage