Today's thought(s) came in the form of a poem. I've dabbled in poetry in the past, but it is still an elusive beast that I struggle with. I enjoy it, but as my dad sometimes says (and he may be quoting somebody, but I'm paraphrasing), poetry can be a lot of pretentious nonsense.
So, here's my pretense. To me it isn't nonsense, though, so if you have thoughts or constructive criticisms for better conveying my sentiments, I would welcome them. As well as any suggestions for a title.
"Go to sleep."
"Go to sleep," I said
"so that your body can rest and grow big
and tall and be healthy
and strong."
"Oh!"
And her eyes light up. Eyes reflecting
the joys of life, back
and forth so many times that I'm awed
to stand at the center and find that the source of all this happiness
is right here before me.
"Oh!" she says,
"I sleep, I wake up, and I be big and strong
and big like you, mama?
I sleep!"
And I laugh because science says that even now, at this peak
of growth, she only adds four inches a year, which works out to be .01 (repeating forever) inches a day.
A change which would still be imperceptible to either of our eyes.
But I pause at the door
Because last night, I kissed a baby girl, tucked her in, and told her to
"Go to sleep."
This morning, that same girl leapt from her bed, spoke in full sentences,
and awakened me.
No more sleep.
