take comfort in ritual

tiny breaths
become
eyes open
upon favorite pillow
pink fuzzy slippers
waiting for motion
feet content with their
warm place in the world
in love
little house on the prairie
nightgown and pigtail braids
cozy
snugglebound
but the morning has risen
so the kitchen has designs
on brewing coffee
and laughing children
eating maple syrupy breakfasts
two brown puppy eyes
rest their chin upon
the end of the bed
tail behind waggling
waiting for a walk to
visit his horse friends
i stand and smile
unwrap today
maternal springs
the one cup chosen
ah,
i take comfort
in this ritual