Day 20: First Thing

Some days it is books,

some days it is tractors,

some days the first thing you want

is to let the light in through the curtains,

just a “tiny bit”

and to see if it is foggy, or sunny, or wet.

Every day it is milk – that warm

gentle wakeup I always imagine

you will savor and enjoy,

but which you suck down with an urgency

so profound it is “all gone”

by the time the curtains are drawn.

Today, however,

is different.

Curtains, sure, whatever;

books can wait;

you don’t have patience for this diaper business

(not that you ever do);

you have no interest in tractors;

and you even pass up the milk

sitting expectantly by your door,

warm and inviting in its familiar green bottle.

The kitchen is calling you –

the toy of all toys –

and it’s time to make breakfast.