Ribbons and Curls

She stares me down
concentrating on my eyes
until the corner of her mouth
turns upward
and she can't help but smile

I cross my arms

follow the rules

listen

complete your chores

I hear myself 

like that record

being overplayed on the radio

She says 

I know

but I forget

and she always does

she just forgets a different things each day

I make a list

take a shower 

put on your pajamas

brush your hair and your teeth

how hard can that be?

And she looks down

And I feel bad

And then she starts giggling

And I can't keep a straight face

So I have her come over

and I brush her hair

putting a ribbon on her pony tail

And she smiles

And I sigh

Because we know we'll do it all again.