boy oh boys

Everett motionless

in his crib

neck curved like a raptor

sound machine on high

Archer motionless

mattress on floor

stolen blankie in criminal fist

purring toddler snore

boy oh boys three feet apart

beginning to share a room

a life

a brotherhood

inversion fog behind roman shade

I rock between them

pairing baby socks

toes and stripes so small my heart rips

fumbling

with miniature buttons on Sunday shirts

my fingers hardly work

but I work them hard

tiny hangars

proudly display my collections

I collect boys

rare first and second editions

boy oh boys

snatch me with eyebrow raise and dimple

I cross twisted fingers and hope this cluster

remains