I voted for…

I voted for the silence that cannot utter a sound

I voted for the soft stillness found by buried between words

I voted for the sycamore leaves piling up in the backyard, raked into a giant pile for bright eyed, oblivious faces to dash into head first

I voted for their giggles, for every curious question they ask about issues they shouldn’t have to think about

I voted for the ramblings of our squeaky slider in a year long debate with the creak in the floor

I voted for the warmth of a bed, both a shelter and a Time Machine for our aching bodies

I voted for the swirling path the gnats make as their homes are disturbed when I water, and for the way the light catches the leaves of my favorite house plant in the morning

I voted for the swell in my chest when they do or says something that makes me proud to be their partner

I voted for the space between our goodbyes and hellos

I voted for the melt in your mouth flavors of our favorite meals

I voted to watch them grow up, to help them grow up, to help them stay forever young in the face of everything out to ring the innocence from their little bodies.