Your Own Little Self

Your Own Little Self

My little man
I found you under the piano bench
Munching corn chips out of the bag
A huge grin on your face
Being your own little self

One minute aloof
The next, arms wrapped
Around my knees
“It’s my mommy” you proclaim loudly to all
I am in awe of your little self

Fiercely independent,
You shout, “I do it by myself”
Then point to your boo-boo
And say sweetly, “mommy, fix it”
I’m falling in love with your little self

You came to earth way too early,
Stand on chairs, jump down stairs
Run down hills, wrestle and growl at kids
Twice your size without a sense of fear
I often worry about your little self

Avoiding crowds and loud noises, you play alone,
Like you need no one but yourself
Then here comes my baby with his blanket
“Snuggle, mommy,” you say as you climb in my lap
I am honored to be needed by your little self

You climb, touch, pull, push,
Stiffen, flop, throw, and grab
You are a walking reaction
To your growing world
You are quite a frustrating little self

Then you name and point to mountains,
Green racecars, churches and clouds
Full of wonder at naming your world
Your new words, finally spoken so clearly
Show you always were your own little self

As you grow up, may I always remember
Beyond my reactions, fear, and frustration,
The wonder of you as a two year old
You have taught me to live life boldly in the present
Confident in being my own little self