Anticipation

Brown eyes face
away from the altar. Little hands wander
through combed hair. She stands up
on the seat, head barely peaking above the pew,
searching unfamiliar faces until she finds one
she knows. Starts to bounce.
Hands wave. Fingers wiggle. Eyes get big!

Her mom walks tired
to the edge of the row,
hasn’t even sat down before
an elated toddler nuzzles deep into her lap.