For Brenna <3 Ernie
Karen Craigo
Last night my son
drew a picture for Brenna,
who watches him sometimes
and is sweetness and joy.
They stand side-by-side
in blocky slacks, and you know
she is a girl by the bun
balanced like an apple
on her head. In the picture,
each wears a U for a smile
and they stand apart,
not touching nor able
to touch, their arms
short and handless.
When he gave it, he broke
into grief, racking sobs,
eyes closed in shame.
He loves her. Consider
his vision, two, standing,
so happy and plain
in their britches. It is
simple. There is nothing
easier; the beauty
hurts him, each one
dignified and glad,
small arms open
to possibility in
the twin flags
of their rectangle pants.