Monsters

These days
Spot trembling knees
Through polka dots on bed sheets
He hears ghosts in the hallway
Monsters in the closet
Sense of safety precarious
I soothe concerns with open doors
Bedside lamps
Stroking dark hair
While eyelids forget worries
Until next time
I will still be here

As he gets older
Notice quick-fire nerves
When kids spout
Homegrown slurs
When tears well in innocent eyes
Cloud almond brown
I will hold the tissue
Rub his back
Absorb anger
While emotions obtain equilibrium
Until next time
I will still be here

As he navigates love
Sacrifices self-centeredness
To learn how to live
With others in mind
Knocked down repeatedly
Only to get back up each time
I will tend broken hearts
Mend frayed self-esteem
Invisible chin-held-high holder
Supporting him in leaps of faith
Until next time
I will still be here

When his own children are growing up
Their monsters constantly forming new skin
I will slowly fade
Torch-bearer to bed-ridden
I will smile at what he has become
And finally
He will take care of me
Holding my hand as vision fails
Reminding me of memories
From this beautiful life
Cradling my head while I take my last breath
Roles reversed in some beautiful irony
As he helps me
Embrace my final monster