For Willem, on his 13th Birthday
From the moment
you burst into the world
at a high rate of speed
one sunny May day
thirteen years ago
(you’ve heard the story
about how Dad and I barely
made it to the hospital
to have you properly delivered)
you've been my quicksilver baby,
my towhead in constant motion--
here one minute, then gone
and back again, with an imp’s grin.
Equal parts smart
stubborn
and sweet
you could charm a snake
or a vice principal.
Whether holding a slingshot
or a bottle rocket
or a bass guitar
you are my mischief and music,
my reminder that
life is a gift
and can be
really
truly
fun.