You are small enough
that I sometimes mistake you
for a backpack
going about my day
attached to you
but craning my neck
to see over top
of your soft head
and then today
I got stranded
a few minutes
with nothing to do
but look at you
you looked back
in that steady way
that babies have
quietly curious
unaware that staring contests
are awkward
and I noticed that your head
is shaped like an acorn
your eyelashes are long like mine
and your eyes widen
every few seconds
like you are surprised
I am still here.