going shopping for clothes
isn’t what it used to be
I’ve traded quick and relaxed
for slow and tense
head swiveling around
tracking three girls
checking in, calling, cajoling
keeping us all moving
in the same general direction
and sometimes
when we walk by the boys’ section
I am surprised to discover
another kid
tugging at my pant leg
pulling at my heart strings
stoking my pride
reminding me
that this family
has six