Proving Grounds, The

Caelan at Two

91 cAelAn AT Two The first time you crawled Into my lap, I stayed home The whole previous week, Picking out your sweaters and Converse High-tops, inventing long junctures To look for leaves.And I know I read One FishTwo Fish Red Fish Blue Fish The way you like, because if I say This one has a little car you go Find that book underneath your dragons And Cookie Monster trucks And bring it up.When you wake From your nap your father Isn’t there, and for the first time You don’t cry, just thank me For Cheerios, stick your fingers In my tea.You know downward dog And can count to three; I promise you In all the ways people do I will try not to leave. This page intentionally left blank. This page intentionally left blank. This page intentionally left blank. ...