~CT~

By M. Jay Mansfield

13 years old and punching on me...
I watch her slip quickly by
I stare, wondering at how much of a woman she’ll be....
blond hair, blue eyes....
and a smile that captures my heart.....
this little one that hangs on to me.....
we sit there for hours....
laughing at things never said...
she watches me.....
slapping my empty palm till hers turns red....
then quietly as a mouse...
when a stranger comes in...
her fingers twine thru mine...
and she holds my hand...
this giggling funny fiend....
quiet and strong...
and claiming me as friend....
territorial and fiesty...
and I am proud.....
this is what I pray for...
I pray that my own child will cling as tight
I pray that I can be there and be strong
and I smile at this loving lady
and I thank god for all of his angels...
a stranger enters the room as she starts to swing at my open hand
we both giggle
a joke unspoken
words un-needed
hand in hand we watch the stranger go