a three-foot hallway
blanket, last year’s science boards
fort made of magic

here we play cadoo
spin tales with pictures and acts
clinging to our youth

she begs to cuddle
as morning melts into noon
always my baby

we play piano
i grade, then guide her through math
later, a hike fight

sun swallows the creek
as they beg back summer swims
but leaves are gold-tipped

the baby departs
we have our own sleepover
with love, city lights

they spin spaghetti
dance beside beer cyclists
here we fall for fall