I forget you are 10

I forget you are 10

Your fresh baby like skin

I tuck you in, we say goodnight

Then you talk and talk of wise metaphors & places you’ve been

Your bright eyes free from life’s tragic realities

Your scars are mere scratches

Yet your words, your words, run deep with knowledge

I look at you - my confidante

But our secrets aren’t about pettiness

They’re stories of space between, where wisdom meets talking thieves

And snakes coil mermaids’ feet

I forget you are 10

The word “balls” still rings you deep belly laugher

Your teeth loosen as you sleep

Your voice high but seeking deep

The cupboard left open

The toilet seat up

I forget you are 10

Singing lyrics of grief

Windows rolled down

You sink into your seat

As if you feel the ache and hold my hand

I wonder who you lost

Who you crave as you gaze at your feet

I forget you are 10

And I am here to teach

Shoes that never seemed to fit these feet

I, in awe, of your brave speech

Late night, rising sun, or jumping on the trampoline

I forget you are 10