Carry Her Forever

Miles & miles of sand. Our caravan dot...in the distance. Lost now in space & time. Our footprints follow us chase after us. You try my footprints on for size get lost in them you jump in and out of them. Little foot(within) big foot such strange animal tracks. The sea follows obediently at our side. An angry little wave snaps at your feet bites with cold foamy teeth your shivering tiny toes. Squeals & shouts lost in laughter. You turn and sprain the daintiness of an ankle. Tears of laughter now “tear” tears. “There, there...dear! ” I soothe & scoop you up into a piggyback carry you the two hours back. I sing you songs discover your once again laughter diluting the frightened crying. The rhythm of my walking lulling you to sleep. Your mouth pressed against my back dribbling dreams down my shoulder. Your tiny warmth pressed against me. Nothing as precious as this. We meet our former footprints still trying to catch up with us. My feet biting deeper into the sand. Me...an unlikely Saint Christopher! She...ain’t heavy she’s my daughter and I could carry her forever.