Toddler’s Embrace | Corneilia Davis ’22

Toddler’s Embrace

When I look at you, My world slows down even in chaos. When you look at me, I can see just how much you love me. From the moment you came out of the hatch Like an injured duckling, I swore to protect you, to never leave your side, To love you until the day I die. I see you racing toward me, Yelling my name with so much love “Aunty!!” you exclaim. The curls of your hair engulf my heart–The quickness of your breath; Your small hands smaller than a newborn baby kitten Wrapped as far as you can around my diameter. Graceful as you are in this place, I always want to remember this face. The cars outside no longer make a sound in our ears, And I hold back tears of happiness For my fear is that one day It’ll be hard to hold you like I am today. When you breathe in the scent of my perfume Mixed with the stew which is being cooked On a flaring stove, You sigh, for you have reached your safe place. Corneilia Davis ’22