I watch from the kitchen
unobserved
as he timidly inhales the aroma of
her shinny black hair
touching only the tips
as he brushes it away from
her deep set green eyes
she tilts her head
towards his mouth
I’m afraid he might kiss
her
yet I don’t look away
he sends her roses for nothing
and calls her in the morning
before school
walks her home
and sits on our porch
holding her hand
he sings
before bed
at night I walk by his
room
and hear him
crying
as if he were 5 again
and I know she is no longer a threat
at breakfast I ask him if he’s ok
and he lies
and tells me not to worry
but I have wept, too
tonight I will tell him
that he will never forget her
nor will I