You remove the gum from the bottom of my shoe
and find me library books I love to read.

You fill the birdfeeder and clean the litter box
and assemble the day’s menu and oil the hinges.

You play scrabble although I am suspicious
because you never win. You walk around the block

with me. You buy tickets for the next ballgame
or play. You inform me about the weather.

You point out the possum in the backyard
and the heron on the shore. You feed the cats.

You curb my enthusiasm and celebrate my victories.
You answer my wonder questions. You leave the light on.