“Three… Two… One…”
Each finger disappears along with the number, until there are none. Then I “woosh!” my hand away as your teeth arrange themselves into the smile that I can see always, even with my eyes closed, like the imprint of the light after a sunset stare.
“One… Two… Three… Four… Fiiiiiiiivvvvve!” This time they appear as the words do, until at last all are present and I sweep spirit fingers over your upturned face.
This has never failed to capture your attention, to make you still and focused, to harness the whimper, to dam up the tear flood.
Since I discovered this magic when you were only weeks old, it has never failed.
At least, never failed to allow us both the chance to catch our breath, to sigh and smile, to share a simple joy, even if what comes next is not joyous, or simple.
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This creative non-fiction piece was brought to you by Red Writing Hood at Write on Edge. The prompt requested a piece beginning with a countdown. The only countdowns I could think of off the top of my head were a) shuttle launches; b) New Year’s Eve celebrations. Neither of those sparked an interest. So instead I went with what I thought of first when I saw the words of the prompt – the game I play with little G that for some reason he still loves. Simple joys people, simple joys. 🙂
I'm Not Writing A Novel 
December 16, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Very sweet. very simple, it’s the small things that can entertain a baby.
December 21, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Yes, that’s true… you should see him with a wooden spoon and something to bang it on!
December 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Love the last line. This made me smile, Venus. Thanks for that.
December 21, 2011 at 2:36 pm
You’re most welcome sir.
December 16, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Very sweet. You captured a moment.
December 21, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Thanks for the kind comment!!
December 16, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Thank you for capturing that and sharing it. Perfection in a stolen moment. Awesome.
December 21, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Thanks so much!!
December 16, 2011 at 9:12 pm
Oh, very sweet. I’m with Lance, I love the last line.
December 21, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Thanks Suzanne! I’m glad it spoke to you. 🙂
December 17, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Beautiful moment beautifully captured. That last line – I know that well.
Thanks so much for visiting Raising Humans yesterday!
December 21, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Thanks for returning the favor! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
December 17, 2011 at 6:43 pm
That’s a such a sweet snapshot.
And I love your use of the prompt.
December 21, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Thanks Cam!
December 17, 2011 at 11:38 pm
What a sweet post, Venus! Words that could only flow from a mother’s lips. Beautiful.
December 21, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Yes, I’m pretty lucky to have such great experiences to pull from. 🙂 Thanks!
December 18, 2011 at 8:09 am
Ahhh, this is perfection. I like that you used the prompt to share a little detail about your life that doesn’t fit the “traditional” idea of a countdown. The small details you used, the teeth, calling your outspread hand “spirit fingers” brought this to life.
December 21, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Thanks so much, Angela! I’m glad that imagery was effective… it can be so hard sometimes to really describe what I’m feeling in moments like those.
December 20, 2011 at 11:14 am
Awww…this made me smile!
December 21, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Yay! Smiles are a very good thing.