Bruise Brothers

when you see those little boys

all skin soft and eyes baby blue

sugar sticky fingers holding tight

to mom’s guiding hand

before doubts sneak a glance

to mom’s reassuring smile

always there

with heart beating pride

her smitten eyes follow him,

step by step,

closing the gap

she sees him tearing up the pitch

that soon becomes

his talent’s stage

there they go

with dreams, bruises and laughter

tomorrow’s cops, firemen,

batmen and hulks

celebrating each goal

with frantic hugging

and raising chubby little arms.

Before falling back

into mom’s smiling warm.