The Child Within

This is a poem about my youngest nephew, Bryson. He's not one who likes to be cuddled. This is a moment in time I don't want to forget.

Time stood still

The day you wanted to play

We'd played before, but this time was different,

Excitement knocking at the door

Your gaze said, "Will you play? Just for a little while?"

I was all too happy to oblige.

A simple game of finding each other.

Up, back.

Now you see me, now you don't.

Your laughter rang out that afternoon.

My room was no longer just a room.

It was filled with the energy from you and me,

Bursting through the monotony

Giving me a much needed break from the routine.

Each time you laughed, it seemed to grow

Bubbling up from your core

In a moment, you let go

Boisterous laughing that made me stop in my tracks

What was that?

I was transported to my childhood,

Oh, to be free like that again

When you grinned and all of your tiny teeth showed,

I wanted to freeze time

So, I could hold that moment forever

Time marches on

But I will always be thankful for those moments and memories created by laughter

In harmony