You brought two sticks in from your walk
one big and one little
both covered in dirt
you lay them down on your bed
and put your finger to your lips
shhh
sleeping
and though very cute
in that way that makes adults
want to eat your cheeks
and makes my jaw clench
with the missing of you
that will one day come
a part of my brain knew
I would use those sticks later
tell you they needed another nap
my eyes big and dishonest
you tiptoeing around
for a few precious minutes
the house quiet and still.