Eternal Sentinels

The cardboard teddy
had a yellow silk ribbon
that taught you big boy laces.
He saved me from dizzy spots
and button pops,
when bending down to double knot.

Your army boots had eighteen eyes,
some missing from the cleat,
no ears to listen for the click.
They brought your body back,
the man said incomplete.

At two years old,
we stole first steps
on painted paper sheets,
so when we hide you underground,
I'll give you back your feet.