Sunday Ritual

scooped up in my arms
he rests for a moment
twirling whichever pendant
this has become our routine
he asks about my necklace
never pulling, only turning
or where I've been hiding
that he missed me so much
between grasping hugs
and soft curls nuzzling
we say hello
then abruptly down please
and off to charm another
with those happy eyes
and boisterous energy
but always back again
with a hug and a kiss
and a guess what Christy
for this is our routine



(for my buddy Alex who protects me from lions and keeps me in his heart)