As a young child being picked up
from school, she says to the
grandmother driver,
how was your day?
or on another day,
how do you feel about cursive?

On being asked if she’s afraid
of leaving home to move
across the world, she says
not today.

She’s made of different stuff 
than me–chooses the youngest
child to be on her team
for a family competition–
knows it’s not about winning.

Joy just beneath the surface
ready to erupt
spontaneity bubbling
mouth wide
head back
abandon.