The Monster in Your Closet

“I’m too straight, mama. I’m too straight.”

My son assuredly meant something by this, but it’s doubtful he meant what it sounded like to me.

I couldn’t help but laugh, but I couldn’t stop thinking about his words, either. And when we drove away from a bookstore with a new Cat in the Hat book in our possession, I found myself imagining a Seuss-style conversation with his older self.

Li’l D, just so’s you know, I’ll love you . . .

twelve times forever

Mommy, mommy, you love me, right?
I love you, silly, bigger than the sun is bright!

Would you love me if I were a girl?
It’s your heart I love, not the parts that show to the world.

What if I were sick? Would you love me then?
Aye, for it’s not a temperature that makes a good friend!

But if I were gay, would you turn me away?
As long as you love, you’ll make my every day.

What If I grow up and become a judge?
I wouldn’t wish law upon you, but my love wouldn’t budge!

Does this mean that you’ll love me forever and ever?
Forever’s too short; I’ll love you twelve times forever.
(And then let’s just add one more little forever.)

© 2012 Deborah Bryan. All rights reserved.
Duplication in whole or substantial portion is explicitly forbidden.