He won’t nap
so we go outside
to find magic rocks
I say this in my whisper voice
the one I reserve
for subterfuge
his eyes go wide
like they always do and this faith doesn’t floor me
like I hear other mothers say
it sits as natural
as bones in skin
why wouldn’t he believe
that I know the magic rocks
from the dusty ones
I grew him
in the axis
of my being
when he sleeps
a few minutes later
the rocks tucked
sweaty and protective
in his fists
I will the magic to be true
as I whisper into his head
promises of a safe
and dazzling life.