my boy . . . .

He laughs at Shel Silverstein.

Laughs loudly and deeply.  

Tugs on my arm and says, “Listen to this one.”

Reads the funniest poems out loud and waits for my response, blue eyes staring expectantly.

Playing a geography game he announces, “Mom – we should visit Iowa.  They’re for me – they’re the Hawkeyes.”

And then this …..

“Mom – want to draw with me?”

My favorite request.

Not because my sketch pad looks awesome,

but because I love this seven-year-old

and it seems

with each passing day

that he lingers by my side

less

and less.

“Yes, I want to sit on the front porch and draw with you.”