Life Laughing

You look like life laughing.

Like the universe leaning back and getting a real kick out of itself.

Bearing life at the same distance and with the same casual dexterity as a juggler her balls and clubs.

And you are every bit as playful and mesmerizing to behold.

You are a woman, flesh and bone and bruised.

You are a mother, caring hands, aching arms and swollen feet.

You are strong and tired and afraid of stopping.

I saw you let the balls drop just once, for the briefest moment as you relaxed your body into mine and closed your eyes.

You were maybe smaller, but you were whole.

Then you remembered to be frightened.

So you got up and resumed your dazzling.

Like anyone else watching, I was mesmerized and charmed. But also sad.

I did not wish to be either spectator or ball.

But rather, as much for me as you, to be a man and that you could simply be a woman resting for a while longer, safe, whole, and quiet against my chest.

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