Clinging

I left the house before all were awake.
Caleb was one awake,
And he noticed I was gone
As the door squeaked closed.

He cried, I heard later, most of the time
For the next six hours.

When I walked in finally, he ran to me,
Clung to my legs before I could set down
Sweatshirt, boxes, purse.

The crying continued.
The clinging continued.

I expect tomorrow will be more of the same.

I don’t go away often.
And when I do, I know there is a price
We all pay.