Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum: The Toddler

Almost anything will break 

The toddler’s heart: His mommy’s keys 

Singing from the bowl of loose ends 

And change on her way out the door 

For work. Going to bed. Taking a bath. 

Getting the exact snack he just asked for…

When the man rubs the boy’s golden head 

And says goodbye before he leaves him

At daycare, the child weeps, and the man

Must pick him up next to his wooden cubby,

And he must hold the toddler boy beneath 

The colorful watercolors, and he must pat 

His back with his hand, he must kiss 

His golden Ndee head with his lips

And must say, in this order: “Don’t worry, 

Little One. Don’t worry. I’ll be back. 

Daddys always come right back.”

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Copyright 2022 Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum

Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum is an author, editor, & ghostwriter. He is the author of three poetry collections, Fight or Flight, Visiting Hours & Ghost Gear.