Without kick or crawl (for Emily)

I forgot
that
without kick or crawl
roll
or holding
onto the coffee table
or the couch
or those first tentative steps
we'd never save time
or get where we want
to go

walking is all
about pushing limits
feeling oats
close races
tight finishes
narrow escapes

we were born
to run
that race
even as we limp
towards perfection

we see
without care
for shutter speed
f-stop
aperture
aspect ratio
or available light

I remember the first time
you stood
standing under the kitchen table
I wondered
whether the table was holding you
up
some sort of overreaching puppeteer
but it was you
doing it yourself
and then I knew
as you took your first steps
you were off
and away
and I knew
that part
of my job was done
and the next milestone came
into view
how
to keep you safe
when you were more comfortable straying
than staying near.

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