"Favorite"
"So who's your favorite?"
Grandad asks close to his ear
The 4 year old pauses
"Mommy" he replies...
"And then who?"
Another thinking pause
A sly smile, "Daddy"
"So I'm number three?..."
He shakes his head
"White Puppy three"
"So I'm fourth now?"
A grin appears...
"Brother number four"
And the game begins
"So I'm fifth in line?"
"Grammy..."
"Wait a minute” he gruffs
With a smiling face
"So now I'm sixth?"
"No Clemetine number six"...
"I'm behind the dog?"
He feigns exasperation
The boy's eyes dance
As he fools with Grandad...
Preschool arms circle
Around Grandad's neck
Soft cheek against beard
He burrows into the love...
Across generations
Their souls connect
Two gentle dreamers
In wonder with the world...
Paul Colaluca (3/12/09)