Its the little things

The hot water soaked into a cloth, scrubbing up and down a wall
following crayon art
The scribble of a child, up and down
Up and down
Haphazard, like tiny steps beating off hardwood
Run away giggle mayhem

you've got to discipline
Before bouncing pigtails get out of reach
You've got to put the bigger foot down
Hazard a moment of parenting
While you're biting back a laugh and smile
At the beauty of the simplistic

Child of mine

Its the small moments
She smiles up at me, with bright blues
That'll turn brown, like her blonde hair
In a year or two
(I hope its more)
"Daddy i wuv you" she two year old speaks at me
And when my smile breaks, she knows
Oh she knows
No more in troubles for her

She runs to my arms, when its convenient
When mommy runs rampage to snatch her up
Give her 
a stern
 talking to
Tucking her head in the crease
Between my arm and my heart

She doesn't know the war
Right outside her bedroom door
Raging on and on
Silent
Cold

She knows music and crayons
Up and down
Up and down

She knows backyard swing sets
Dandelions
Bubbles! Blowing lazy in the summer breeze
Soft straw 'cross a barn floor
And the pitter patter of a snare drum
Beating out a civil war tune

She knows up and down stairs
Up and Down
Up and Down
Fleeting footsteps to explore
Quick prances...

She knows the morning
After a quick lullabye the night before

She doesn't know the fight 
in the times between
But that old civil war snare taps away

Lay your head down
Sleep tight


My favorite time of day
Is kissing that forehead
Good night