Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails
That’s what little boys are made of
Yes
Also, arms that flail and long rabbit trails
And competetive noise and odd play shoves

And that one moment when
He comes near, snuggles in
And his sweaty head leans on your shoulder

And you breathe in that smell
that just means all is well
And you think how he’s every day older

That brief moment’s the best
(Though your clothes are a mess)
Because you are where he came for rest

* * * * *

Sugar and spice and everything nice
That’s what little girls are made of
Yes
Also drama and wit and a fair dose of grit
And long talks and sometimes weird homemade gloves

And those few times a year
When she conquers a fear
Or she says something wise that astounds you

And you look at that face
At those eyes with new grace
And you hope she stays always around you

Because right then you know
Though she’s yours and it shows
She’ll go places you never dared go