Unremittingly calling out
the colicky baby that I
must take from its cradle
an instantaneous
Pavlovian response
Hands reach out
touch soothing the yowl
holding close and secure
neck crooked making
a safe shelter
Hugging to shoulder
cooing gentle sounds
walking and chattering
absorbed by the action
held so tenderly
Soothed and quieted
gently laid down
duty ended I walk away
As the colicky phone’s
cry rings again
SC Stuckey is a Canadian enjoying the Los Angeles sun who passionately loves her home country, her husband, and her rock-star cats.