The Innisfree Poetry Journal

www.innisfreepoetry.org

by Jean L. Kreiling

Woman and Small Boy at the Beach

She's not his aunt or babysitter; prone
to panic, they would hover, while instead
she keeps her distance, lets him rule his own
sand-castle kingdom, lets him run ahead—
but not too far.  Although discreet, she's near
enough for rescue should the despot stumble,
or should aggressive seagulls make him fear
a coup d'etat, or should a castle tumble.
She strikes a balance only mothers can:
despite her loose-limbed, hands-in-pockets bearing,
her sharp eyes nimbly sweep the sandy span                       
commanded by the object of her caring.
Her instincts keep him close enough, but free
to revel in his seaside sovereignty.