His Kisses

A Poem by Natasha Austin

For my son, who was three

As soon as I see him
I think of them
The infectious smile
Closing in
Armed with my reward

His face so familiar and yet strange
Widows peak just like mine
But daddy's eyes and mouth

He did good today, she says
Maybe I offer her a glance
Maybe not

Hours of waiting for the moment
That turns night to day
Rain to sun
Just another moment
And the sun shines...
I don't have time for her

Akimbo arms soon grip like vices
Sweetly my neck captured
Almost home again
Eye ya you ma-mee in my ear
They are closer, closer
Plump with love

He turns my face with cookie crumb hands
Finds my eyes nose mouth
Twin peak
And presses closer closer
The meeting is a transfer of love
Finishing with a little smack
And it is beyond bliss

That night I will rest
Ready for a new day
A new exchange of love