GROWING UP

Younger, I was less afraid
to chase a tadpole downstream
or throw rocks with my brothers.

Since the sides have flipped,
I eat my vegetables
and take care of myself—
finding adult ways of having fun.

I think of having my own boy
when he’ll invite me to play catch.

I’ll do it partly because he’s my boy
but also because I want to play too

and it’s just been a long time
since anyone’s asked me.