Safe From Mom

his skin is hot, ocean-air scented as he burrows his head into my shoulder he does not want his mother her wild ways and loud voices have frightened him enough today have taken every good moment in the sun and darkened it as always his arms are tight around my neck and he hides his eyes I love his scent he is pure boy salty and clean he knows my firm hand on his back is a safety net and I step away and in front of my wife to avoid her keep her away from this boy who hurts too much too soon ahh oooo what a cute boy the old woman says as I juggle the keyes and the towels to open the car and is that your wife through my sunglasses I look at her standing there hair wild looking dopy and defiant at once glaring at anyone looking her way "oh god yes" I say, unable to swallow "God Help Me"