Norah's laugh

where does it start 

this bubbling up from the belly 

unrestrained joy of lilting laughter 

learned or innate

     irresistible 

we must join in and 

let go of world 

hands open to catch 

happy catches in the voice 

to hold the ball lofted 

that says 

    pass me on 

hands cupped together 

to make a landing for 

the delicate bubble of the future

what he showed us

blonde hair like pure energy

front teeth growing in 

he shows us the shells he brought 

from Cuba 

pink and white and tan 

had to choose which ones 

to take home 

so these were the treasures 

the jazz of the sea 

exoskeletons of mollusks 

washed up on the beach

keeps them in a special bag 

mementos of the warm holiday 

the shells of memory

Norah's questions

deep blues bore into heart 

almost sitting 

on the couch 

leggings tight around thighs 

foxes and bears on shirt 

eyes ask questions 

what are you to me 

will you read me a book 

what is this world we are in 

and answers don’t come easily 

so we just stare and 

marvel this life 

    this mystery 

        this burst in our being 

            this gift

we buy a llama

we walk in warmth down 

Mexican street uneven 

concrete and cobblestone 

southern February sun 

so unfamiliar 

dust from construction 

settles 

and we take it all in 

this sunny mix of tourism and work 

and this woman 

selling colourful stuffed llamas 

on the sidewalk 

little shy girl beside/behind

we stop to look 

a toy for grand daughter

pay pesos and 

wish her well 

in this sun warm street