Things are new now
I'm sending you home, tucked safely
Into covers in your little air mattress of a bed
Stuffed animals perched precariously at the edge
Looking over

I kissed your lips one last time
Tasting tears, I hope, the last time
Wiping snot on my jeans

You have a cat now
And a kitchen
And a beach
I think you'll be alright.

I brush these thoughts through my hair
Thinking, "Danika, be strong, be like Oya"
And laugh
I am so far from that

I give one last look to your little bedroom
And have to laugh at Trace's collection:
Dinosaur egg oatmeal, Lion King pillow, Tolkein books, geodes
His rainbow flag dangling off one hook dangerously above his sleeping mat
It's like a slumber party
And you
Two children, living side-by-side

I think you'll be fine
I know you'll be fine
And I'll be okay too.