I watch as my child negotiates

One more pop-cle

Just one

Pleeeeeeeease daddy?

Eyes as big as the sun,

He stares sadly at it

While daddy eats.

He’s already had two,

But that’s not enough.

More sugar,

Pleeeeeeease

He’ll fine every excuse,

Every loophole

Any emotional blackmail he can

Just three,

but born knowing how

to twist daddy around his little finger,

Mommy too.

Hard to resist,

Tonight the adults win,

Or do they?

Haunted by eyes full of sorrow.

In one smooth movement,

Daddy caves.

Toddler wins.

Pop-cle for the win.