bedtime reply to son's question

physicists have the answer
and artists do too
lovers know all
as do the bird watchers
and the priests
and the hairdressers

it can be mapped out in equations
and with a cello
it can be painted, or a hopscotch,
or a long distance run
mothers and fathers have held an infant son
or daughter

you know it too
i'm proud of you
your permit can be found
in the cereal box in the pantry
or under the mouse
at your school computer
now i'm very very tired
let me sleep, go to sleep
i love you