poems for my little ones

EVERY DETAIL
for William, age 4
by Julia M. L. Whitehead

Chocolate soy milk fourty six seconds warm,
Dressing yourself with such pride every morn.

Dumping the legos, then putting them back,
Asking my help to come build a new track.

Seeing commercials on “regular T.V.,”
Begging for happy meal toys that you see.

Your Spiderman lunchbox has saltines inside,
The “big blue bike’s” training wheels speed up your ride.

Your silky blonde hair shines in the sun
As you swing “not too high” and climb slides for fun.

Cucumbers, raisins with P.B. & J.
“Books on the couch” after lunch every day.

Quiet time comes and there’s so much to do,
Coloring, play dough, computer games too.

Eskimo kisses, no soap in the eyes.
Put jammies on and hope to stay dry.

We read “scripture power” and say a small prayer,
Then “Tom & Jerry”, “Dora”, or “Berenstein Bears”.

Tucked in with your train blanket, or Dad’s favorite one,
We’re both feeling sleepy when our big day is done.

I’m relieved to be sitting in silence, alone.
But I’ll miss every detail when tomorrow you’re grown.

SUNSHINE
A poem for Desiree at 10 months
May 2006

It brightens,
It warms,
It soothes my tension.

It’s laughter,
It’s growth,
It signals pure fun.

In morning
It’s fresh.
In evenings “all done.”

I treasure,
I bask,
You’re my shining sun.

SOAKING WET
A poem for my Caroline
May 2006

SPLASH! You’ve jumped in!
It’s your turn for living.
No rock, hill, or island
Will stand in your way.

SPLASH! You got us!
Too cute for resisting.
We’ve jumped on your boat
And we’re ready to play.

SPLASH! You sprinkle
A spicy strong flavor
Many a chef
Would pay trillions to get.

SPLASH! I’m soaking.
You made me remember
Life is before us
So let’s go get wet!