Duplicity of Sand

I never thought of doorsills
the height and width of them
the possibility of splinters
before I had a child

the diameter of a doorknob
the ease of a doorhandle
the trickiness of grass
the duplicity of sand
the danger of dishwater

before I had a child
I never contemplated
the mental gymnastics
involved in sitting

before I had a child
I never comprehended
the significance of electric outlets
measured against the diameter
of baby fingers

I never foresaw
the pleasure
memories of her childhood
could bring

for in those moments
she is still alive

Published in The Buffalo News, February 2, 2014.