Just The Way It Goes

Your two girls played sleeping tigers
On the farmhouse floor, seeing who could stay still
For longer.
Now they play grown-ups, like us all.

They didn't forget that calf being born
Grunting, heaving, carnage amidst steam;
And how they laughed at my aching balls
And you, at me slipping mid-stream.

Breath-fogged windows squeaked clear with knitted hats
After drizzled afternoons bouncing in heather.
Driving home: the sanest days are mad
Said Morrissey, over and over.

The lady asked what dad would like to eat
With glee they seized that magic word
And me, I got to tell them off, jokingly
But give it time, and that's a two-edged sword.

Somewhere, in a box I keep out of sight
I have a photo of you three.
You know, I had to use a penknife
To gouge you out from me.