You heard me tell your dad
that my back was sore again
which seemed to jolt you
with a mix of zeal and order
lean forward mama
you stopped playing with your trains
your instructions were clear and calm
you rubbed my back
like you pet dogs
intermittently kissing my spine
and blowing on it
which tickled but I didn’t dare laugh
I could tell how serious your face was
without turning around
and I let you lead me to the couch
where you placed several hankies
on my head and said
now you’re all better
which of course
in a million ways
I was.