they dote on the big things--
loyalty, jealousy, priority,
and most of the time, insecurity
but what's left of the little ones
a kiss before work
an arm around the cold body before sleep
a simple "how are you doing?" when set apart
a text to start or end the day
a little compassion when needed
and a little push when you go numb
a hand to pick you up from a fall
some kindest overall
a puny acknowledgement
to make certain you're not serving
as an ornament
but loved
as the one significant
loyalty, jealousy, priority,
and most of the time, insecurity
but what's left of the little ones
a kiss before work
an arm around the cold body before sleep
a simple "how are you doing?" when set apart
a text to start or end the day
a little compassion when needed
and a little push when you go numb
a hand to pick you up from a fall
some kindest overall
a puny acknowledgement
to make certain you're not serving
as an ornament
but loved
as the one significant