and she is

complete today

not because of a knight
or a ride on a unicorn through
the midnight stars

because she lives
where
children smile
big and small hands to hold
a comfortable world
in which to grow old

the tea kettle is full
with lemon tea
muffin mix awaits
the empty birthday-themed
liners that Johnny's little hands will carefully arrange

there are crumbs on the counter
scratches on the floor
mismatched socks in a bag
a mis-aligned drawer

it is a messy life
and she is home