My little boy he loves like his daddy—much more in actions
than in words.
My son doesn’t say I love you. He shows I love you. After
drafting this piece, I don’t think I need the words anymore.
Sometimes
Sometimes I love you
is quietly and comfortably leaning into me
as I sit at the soccer field.
Sometimes I love you
is gently waking me up,
“Mommy, read please.”
Sometimes I love you
is just in the tone of voice,
“Mommy.”
Sometimes I love you
is in the sleepy and sweet way
he says good morning.
Sometimes I love you
is vying for position.
No, Sarah, it’s Mommy’s turn to read with me—
you’ve had her two nights.
Sometimes I love you
is in the words,
“Mommy stay,”
after we’ve finished reading together.
Sometimes I love you
is in the way
he wants his mommy when he’s hurt.
Sometimes I love you
is in the look in his eyes.
Sometimes I love you
is snuggling on the sofa.
Sometimes I love you
is in the way he lets me
pat his forehead,
hug him,
and finally now
kiss him.
Allotted two
kisses a day,
Don’t use both up in the morning.
Oh, he won’t kiss me,
but I get two,
not on the lips,
the forehead or the cheeks only.
Always I love you
is beyond words.
Always I love you
is not expecting someone
to love the way I love.
to love the way I love.
Maya, this is beautiful and reflects all the love you write about and more. What a lovely tribute to your child and you as a mother for recognizing actions can speak louder than words.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I especially love the last two lines. I need to remember them, living with teenagers who rarely use words…
ReplyDeleteI love the love:) I remember so fondly the cuddle days and read to me days. Miss them. My nest is empty, so my I love yous come over the cell phone, but they do come.
ReplyDeleteThe special times you describe definitely say I love you. You found words for actions that speak for themselves. Good feelings all around!
ReplyDeleteSo, so sweet. I love the way I structured thia, and the moments you chose.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, Maya. I especially like "I love you is not expecting someone to love the way I love." Whoa! I need to remember that one! Enjoy your precious boy. They grow up so fast. My boys are 33 and 35. I miss those little boys!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful reminder that "public displays of affection" (as my long ago principal called them) are not signs of love. Love is something much deeper and greater - you really describe it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteOh how sweet! This reminds me of my son growing up and maybe even now that he is in his thirties. He'll give me other ways. Well stated! Very emotionally charged words! Thanks for sharing! Happy Slicing! :)
ReplyDeleteSo many ways to say "I love you." The words are nice to hear, but the actions are so much sweeter!
ReplyDeleteLoved the flow of your slice . . . sometimes I love you. I love it and may have to borrow this idea! So sweet!
ReplyDeleteYou have really captured a relationship. What a treasure.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem appreciating the various expressions of love. As you said: "I love you is beyond words."
ReplyDelete