Last Night of Winter Solstice

            

There you lay so gentle and calm, an ease about your youthful face, not a crease or a furrow to be found.  The day’s excitement has settled, and your body has followed suit.  You lay curled comfortably with that same soft blanket that cuddled you as an infant, a toddler, and now a young boy.  It’s tattered and worn, and there is a small hole on the backing fabric that only I know exists.  You have not found it yet, but once you do, you will be intent on bringing it to my attention.  This I know.  

I kiss your face, feeling the smooth, soft surface that first took life inside me,  softened my soul and sharpened my instincts.  Your legs stretch out beyond the length of the blanket, having outgrown it many months ago.  I move your head back to the pillow, and as your eyes slightly open, they just as quickly close in comfort that mommy is here. 
My son, how quickly the time passes, and how beautiful you have become in that span.  How sensitive is your soul, and tender your loyalty to your father, sister and I.  What a man you will be, soon enough, too soon really.  I ache at the passing of time as you grow into your own person, but am equally anxious to discover him.  To see what will inspire and drive you, what curiosities will bring you to the ends of the earth, even the pains that you will surely live, just as surely as you are to pass as your father and I.  I simply cannot wait to see it all unfold as we end this last night of Winter Solstice. 

August 8, 2013

Photo by Wayne Devon
Courtesy of fineartamerica.com