Stop and Watch the Train

by Christina Egbert

When I used to think about the kind of mom I’d be,
I never pictured moments like these.

Sitting on the grass, right by the street
with my excited toddler next to my feet.

The ground is so cold and still pretty wet,
but the boy who loves trains is hugging my neck. 

We’re here to watch the train go by,
and my little one has sparkles in his eyes,

Moments like these, they won’t be in vain.
So mamas out there? Stop and watch the train.

Read the same book over, again and again,
These are moments you’ll love when you look back at them.

Really stop and smell the roses.
Use the petals to tickle their noses.

Stack the blocks, and then knock them down.
The laughter that follows is just the best sound.

Stop what you’re doing to play hide-and-seek.

Break out the tickle monster,
let them laugh and shriek

Lay on the floor, embrace the mess.
And at night? Let them fall asleep on your chest.

Whether they’re toddlers or teens
listen to things you don’t understand,
the days are long, but time won’t stop
try to slow down, no matter what’s planned.

Sitting in this cold, wet grass
isn’t where I thought I would be,
but I sure hope it’s how
he remembers me.