when someone asks how many children i have

i answer

“only one”

sometimes i point to you

as you climb the monkey bars

or glance your way

as you laugh with your friends

“only one”

the words roll off my lips by habit

but are misdelivered

with a deceitfully apologetic sound

as if the word “only” represents

regret, loss or misfortune

could this be further from the truth?

from now on

when someone asks how many children i have

i will reply with a thoughtful smile

“i have one”

one witty, thoughtful, charming boy

one beautiful, intelligent, loving son

“i have one”

yes, an only child

but he will forever be

the only one i need

~L.K.