I am washing dishes
baby beside me,
splashing.
A little blonde blur
and her brother
chasing around the room.

He is pouring over math problems
with our oldest,
she of the long, curly hair
and most inquisitive blue eyes.

There are paintbrushes
in the kitchen sink
and stains
on the baby’s pajamas.

Days so full
shuffling
scurrying
laughing
tending
trying

crying.

But the evenings?
Oh, sweet evening!

Moods shift
tempers slow
lights dim.

A deep breath.

A fresh eternity
just for us.

I tuck the sleepiest wonders
snug into their beds
and return to the kitchen
to find him finishing up the dishes.

He takes me in his arms
and we dance
around the kitchen floor,
a dishtowel
and my head
on his shoulder.

Over and over.
Around and around.
Night after night.

Love songs on repeat.