Who's Next?

My son brought home a book of birds “Mommy I can’t understand these words” The scientific names kept him rooted in his seat “Mommy what happened to the Carolina Parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis?” I quietly washed the dishes and thought of my college thesis He didn’t notice my rigid stature. “Mommy what happened to the Canary Islands Oystercatcher, Haematopus meadewaldoi?” I took the book and replaced it with the one on his night stand: The Little Drummer Boy “What do you have for me, my little star?” I ask my son as he hops into the car His sweet little hands hold a book of amphibians and snakes My mind wonders off and I slam on the brakes I shoot my arm to the side to act as a bracer “Mommy what happened to the Saint Croix Racer, Borikenophis sanctaecrucis?” This boy and his genius… He’s in non-stop question mode “Mommy what happened to the Golden Toad, Incilius periglenes?” Memories from Costa Rica years ago heighten my unease “Michael, mommy’s tired. Let’s go inside." I know soon he’ll reach the conclusion I set aside. This book is covered in stripes and a flawless golden mane Big cats, our favorite animals, most of which remain My interest in this book is a lot higher “Mommy, what happened to the Caspian Tiger, Panthera tigris virgata?” I haven’t heard of that tiger since my studies in Atlanta “Baby, mommy doesn’t remember. Maybe you can research it like mommy did.” A familiar smile brightens the face of my inquisitive kid "I suggest we take a small detour" Our decision lands us at the ice cream store Today my son brought home no book He brought instead a quizzical look Mike asked, “Mommy… Are humans next?” It’s only natural.