tickle monster

The best things in life are free
Friendship, loyalty, laughter, love
Family, nature, oxygen
Hugs, harmonious mourning doves

Often missing from that list
Is the most fun of all things free
Tickles from mom to her babes
I'm sure kids wouldn't disagree

Tickles perform a clean sweep
Can alter a child's nasty mood
Acting like a reset button
For the smallest attitudes

When mom decides she’s had enough
And slings Grumpy over her knee
Then locates an open armpit
Giggles can set that bad mood free

Then there’s the anticipation
Just where will mama tickle next?
With a cute, mischievous gaze
She tickles where they don’t expect

Cheeks are rosy-red from squirming
Eyes smile with each poke and prod
The pair laugh until it hurts
Two peas in a boisterous pod

Life’s troubles float away
Time seems to stand still for their fun
Child paralyzed by pleasure
From the first tickle ‘til they’re done

Tickles are universal
Wherever we go, there tickles are
Amusement as old as time
And as mighty as a shooting star