the gentle grace of a feverish afternoon

Oh! The gentle grace of a feverish afternoon.
You lay in my arms in your perfection,
sleeping fitfully
my lips kissing wellness into your forehead–
your cheeks.

You awaken,
believing it a new day
(I tell you I remember that feeling when I was sick!)
and proclaim today you will be “peppier”.

We watch the snowflakes fall gently
in the late afternoon light
and marvel at the strange weather.

You, in your luscious beauty–
all peppiness forgotten–
drift back off to sleep,
safe, in your mama’s arms.