maple syrup

as I reach to turn on the faucet
and wash my hands
I feel the stickiness
and the faint smell of maple
wafts up to my nose

I smile
remembering your smile
and enthusiasm
over the waffle and syrup
on your plate this morning

“They’re besties–waffles and syrup are!”
you exclaimed
saluting the friendship
with your fork and syrup-soaked bite of waffle
tipped high in the air

later in the day
the phone rings and I answer
as I listen, again the sweet smell of maple
greets me warmly
and I remember your phone conversation earlier
with your cousin
and how excited you were that he was home
from his trip
and you could talk together again

every day you leave handprints throughout
our home
our paths
my heart

but today they were all scratch-n-sniff
and made me smile every single time
I came across the sticky sweetness

and I was glad I forgot to remind you
as I should have
to wash your hands
after you finished eating this morning

one day these handprints will all fade away
but I think the smell of maple syrup
will always make me smile