Lessons

Life will teach you hard,

so I will teach you softness—

the touch of a gentle finger

on your flushed cheeks,

a tender head rub,

soft kisses,

being held safely in the crook of an arm.

Life will show you the rough edges—

a rock in your shoe, litter in a stream,

heartbreak, a biting word,

the sudden loss of a friend,

a broken bone.

I will show you warm tea in a rainstorm,

the comfort of a great book before bed,

a field of wildflowers,

the sound of wind chimes,

the magic of a bird’s nest.

The world will reveal itself to be

both beauty and tragedy,

and you will know pain.

So for now, while I can keep you close,

I’ll teach you lullabies and dancing,

bubble baths and make-believe,

snuggles and laughter,

and all the softness in between.