Bare Feet

sunrise patters in —

little bare feet on

the tile floor

(for Marcus & Lucas)

Beautiful

beautiful daughters —

it’s sexier to show more

self-respect than skin

warm weight of hope

wrapped in a baby blanket

sleeping on her chest

in pink flowered boots

the toddler laughs at the

gray crying sky

listen

a child’s unheard voice

speaks loudly

empty swingset

laughter carried away

by wind and years