I see you there at the carnival,
Through eyes filled with tears,
A tall girl in a costume standing in line,
A small redheaded boy tugging at your leg,
Asking if "this is a good one,"
The practised big sister look on your face,
As you both encourage and dismiss.
Suddenly I also feel a weight in my arms
That should be a child waving and babbling,
Waiting to see brother and sister ride;
But then I must blink my tears away,
For the stranger's girl is seated on the ride,
And the boy is now tugging at my leg,
Saying "Mama, he says I'm too short."
"That's alright," I say with a bitter smile,
"I'm two short, too."

Beautiful and heartbreaking- thank you for sharing.