Mommy, can I have surgery tomorrow…and can I bring Jake’s puppy?

laugh a soft laugh, pretend it’s ok
pull the blankets up to her chin
touch my nose against hers
foreheads pressed together
a perfect blur of little girl

scared of what may be
minor a matter of perspective
grateful for what is not
with only a scar left to remind
how precious and fleeting life is

next week soon enough
one day after another
footfalls along the path
no turning back now
trust in god, all is well

© Janelle Smith, January 2009