you were two and gumless

sparse hair dusted unattractively across your head

(i have embarrassing blackmail-worthy pictures)

your cloud cheeks, poofy with puzzles, weird words, drool-

ew.

your eyes though were my favorite.

brown brighter than the mornings you wake us crying away.

and you were three by then. you could barely hold your laughter

at bay as you snatch your teddy and crawl away.

have us fooled at your mercy.

but you are still a pain in my neck.

whether it may be from cuddling

my shoulder for too long

or literally driving me insane.

seven years of pain. seven years of gain.

⚛︎⚛︎⚛︎

my baby brother turns seven today. the fella thinks he's a man now lol.