Zach Gilkey

Unsorted

Entire World in My Lap

Your breath, in — out, in — out— a small world focused on its own curiosity.

The weight of you settled on my lap, fidgeting digits, tiny limbs in motion.

Like an astronomer studying stars, I see every little movement— so sure, yet still seeking assurance.

Your laugh rings out, wind chimes in a sudden storm, every word a shelter from the rain.

I'm clinging to the moment, willing the clocks to quiet, to forget their ticking.

I know one day you’ll grow out of this. So I sit— an entire world in my lap.

Your voice pulls me back, a reminder of how much you’ve already grown beyond my memory.

Please don’t mind my head resting on yours; once, your whole body fit in one arm.

And when you look back, I hope you’ll see all the love I carried for you.

← Back to Writings