DAUGHTER

You leaned in close and asked me to close my eyes

I did so and began to smile, sure of something playful to come

you asked me solemnly not to move my mouth

I tried

slowly, delicately, you traced a pattern under my left eye

as if running the tiny pad of your finger along a spider web

you told me to open my eyes

they were met by your face, sorrowful and embarrassed

you told me that you were touching my old age

you smiled a little

and forgave me