the heartbeats in the room
have mostly disappeared but
this patch of forest is mine to give you  

to my sons
it’s been whole lemons & strawberries  

having such little bodies
to dedicate my time to 
all our baths

pink calamine like dalmatian spots 
your growing into ankles

i hope you recall your childhood
as watercolors out back 
as long hair being combed through
 
to my daughter
you are cool light 
before the sun dies 

(o how i revere you!) 

how you take your earthen feet
crawl your way up my bare legs 
to my stomach to my chest

when we are face to face
you rub my head with honeyed hands 
give me a quick kiss before climbing bigger trees

darlings, would you believe me if i told you
that i’ve stretched my arms 
so long
to hold you throughout 

that i was born pregnant 
with the very vision of 
you