Once, We Were Small

Amanda Lui ‘23

Once, I was small so that my head fit in your palm, the crown rubbing against thick calluses. Your hands numbed to the forceful heat of fire, Responded to my slightest needs.

Once, I was small so that you could swing me up into the sky, Fingers clasped together and giggles charging the air. Your iron grip built up by controlling fire hoses, Focused now on corralling boundless energy and simple curiosity.

Once, I was small so that you could catch me, as I fell climbing a tree on Easter Day, as I tripped over a sharp corner stone, as I went down a metal slide too fast and too hard, as I tried to keep up with my brothers, and I started to grow up.

I feel big now, Big uncontrollable unconstrained emotions which travel across the country to be heard by you. Big lofty goals and dreams which you aligned the stars for.

And, while calluses deepen into wrinkles, And you cradle my face in two hands now, I will always remember, Once, we were small together.