For the Sake Of Trying (a toddler’s poem)

The baby touches everything

circling the room

like the shadow of the fan spins

unceasingly in the sunlight.

There are no labels

no strict dichotomies between

this and that

between toy, and daddy nose to pull

rattle, and crumply newspaper noises and blanket

no fine line

between accomplishment and danger

between the high bars of the crib, and under-kitchen-table-and-chairs-entrapment

key board, and other clickety clacky shiny unknown objects

power cords, and other chew toys

no distinction

between words and sounds

between yes and no, no, LUCA NO

there are no nations

no miracles or science down here on the rug

no religion or unanswered prayers

no cat naps or long naps or down for the night

just eyes closed and ears off and not at play.

There is only on the ground and pulling up to Daddy’s knee and grinning

here, and places that are not here slapping Daddy’s knee and cooing

hunger, and not hungry anymore

Mommy, and lesser fulfillments.