Death of a Parasite

Our daughters watch and giggle as you work.
They are amused that Daddy is doing a “girl thing”.
I smile as well at the moments of hesitation.
Your unsure fingers painstakingly twist my
Curly web of hair into submission.

You are so serious in your endeavor.
This one over
Move this under
Now this one.
I can almost hear you mumble instructions to yourself.
My body relaxes as my hair tightens.

I know you have made mistakes.
I felt them as I followed your progress
In the brushes of your hands against my neck,
Between my shoulders,
The middle of my back.
But it is alright.
With every awkward twist,
You weave us closer together.

Many, many wraps of the rubber band later,
Your are finished.
I lean back against you as our children
Dance around us, teasing and happy.
The braid is crooked and beautiful.
The moment perfect.

As you wrap your arms around me from behind, I know
This is where I want to be, always.
I am content.