She’s somewhere on a beach

with the sand between her paint chipped toe nails.

She plays in the water

Pretending she’s a mermaid or a seahorse.

She’s somewhere on a boardwalk

on a Ferris wheel I told her was safe to ride.

She’s somewhere in a field

On bright green grass freshly mowed.

Her cleats are worn out, but perfect

Curls are bouncing in a tight blond ponytail.

She’s on a pathway, the ground is burning hot.

Her bicycle wheels scratch across the sidewalk

She can be heard a block away

A million years away, even.

First it’s the giggles as they bob up and down

Then there are the voices of that new boy band

She’s singing along.

She’s off on a rollercoaster

Tears streaming down her face, it’s going so fast

She’s so happy.

She’s at a concert, in a stadium

It’s dark but the lights are incredible

Her face is shining and she’s screaming along.

She’s on a mountain, bundled up on a ski lift

The snow machines get snow on her face

All over her goggles and in her mouth.

She laughs it off and carries on.

She throws a dog a chew toy

And hugs him when he comes back.

She’s sprinting towards freezing cold water

She’s bundled up when she gets out

Her hair’s soaked, lips are blue, and teeth chatter

But she’s smiling.