The Playground

 By: Suzanne Stoker

After months and months of watching other kids from afar,

today you joined two boys in their play

like it was no big deal.

Except you and I both know

it's a big deal.

A very big deal.

For ten glorious minutes,

you were immersed in the imaginary world of joint play

(behind the benches where moms sit talking)

vrooming tiny cars and diggers in the dirt

swapping favorite vehicles

running around together

squatting down to look at who knows what

as if you've been pals from birth.

Your eyes sparkled,

energy in every step.

The trio quickly grew

to five little boys

bonded by vehicles and dirt and digger shirts

instant besties.

And then, as quickly as it began,

it ended.

Parents calling it's time to go

boys drifting away.

You returned to mama's bench

shoeless

radiant and full

demanding snacks

like what just happened

was totally normal.

How can my heart rejoice and crack in the same moment?

Suzanne Stoker lives in beautiful western North Carolina with her husband and 2 young sons. Through “The Asheville Writing Club” (a local mom group), she has recently rediscovered her love for writing, and using her brain for things other than diapers and dishes.