her eyes match mine
she'll be five come summer
a whole handful already
that bovine dog who likes hula hoops
who would rather lie in my room
where the floor is cold and hard and chipping
than in her own rocking chair
cushioned in the light and warmth of our living room
with mom and dad and rabbits
and windows full of things to watch
but she makes her choice
she wants my floor
she wants me
and as i swaddle her
and watch her eyes close
i want my heart to match hers