It's just poetry, it won't bite

Walking on Eggshells


10.25.12 Posted in words to linger on by

Audra Ralls was born and raised in Oklahoma. Beyond writing, her passions include teaching at Jones Middle School and spending quality time with her son Reese. Poetry and short stories are her creative outlet. Visit her blog.

Walking on Eggshells
By Audra Ralls

“Mama, let’s play!” tiny voice shouts, door slamming.
Tired smile replies, “Shhh baby. We must walk on eggshells.”
He sees past her, more than his four years should.
A sight familiar, Daddy sleeping, big bottle loosely in hand.

“That game does not sound fun,” innocence expresses,
crawling onto her lap, nuzzling as only a child can.
“Let’s dance through the sand instead, Mommy.”
She breathes in his sweet scent, saying not a word.

“I know, Mommy. Let’s be frogs jumping on puddles.”
A tear escapes, despite her strength.
Tiny lips kiss it away.
Daddy’s snore startles them.

He is careful to whisper this time.
“I’ll be a fish and you be the mermaid;
we can swim in the sea!”
Arms tighten for the comfort holding a child brings.

Imagination never lacking, he gasps,
“Mommy! We’ll get the blanket and fairy dust,
and go on a magic carpet ride!”
She smiles and cries at the thought.

Stroking her hair, his head on her shaking shoulder.
“We can lay on our backs in the grass touching pinkies,
and make star wishes, only telling each other.”
She giggles for him and sobs at her loss of belief.

“We’ll build a ship from Lincoln Logs and sail away.”
He grasps her cheeks with both hands,
meeting lost eyes, speaking to her heart.
“But Mommy, walking on eggshells is not for you and me.”




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