Dinner is ready
and we are waiting
but she is slow to get downstairs
because the floor is lava
normally I go along
and carry her dramatically
across carpets
agreeing
that it is very lucky
that I have lava-proof
slippers
but tonight
I just want it all faster
and easier
as she places the tea towels
and grocery store flyers
methodically across the last stair
so she can safely
step down
she holds out her arms to me
so I can carry her
to her chair
I crack my knuckles
and my back
come on, muppet
the floor’s not really lava
she stops
and drops her hands to hold the cat tail
that is really just a long-sleeve t-shirt
tucked inside her underwear
she looks at me
confused for a moment
and then leans over
careful not to touch the floor
and whispers
mama, did you forget
how to play?