Between Bruises and Blooms

Through the crib rails,
I find you.

Not because you are hidden,
but because this is where
your little dreams live—
behind dark wooden bars
that have never been a prison,
only a promise.

A promise
that you are safe.

One tiny arm curled beneath you,
one sleepy sigh escaping
those little lips,
as if even in your dreams
you are whispering
to the morning.

I stand on the other side,
watching through the spaces,
grateful for every nap
that lets your growing body rest
and your busy little heart
dream of tomorrow’s adventures.

One day,
you’ll climb over these rails,
leave this crib behind,
and run toward a world
too big for my arms to hold.

But today…

Today,
the distance between us
is only a few wooden slats,
and if you reached out,
our fingers would still meet.

Sleep well,
my sweet Izzy Bear.

I’ll be right here,
waiting on the other side
of every season,
just as I waited
on the other side
of your crib.