Questions at Bedtime

Questions at Bedtime

My sister-in-law played for me
A recording she made of my little niece
Asking, as she was being tucked in,
Where my shoes were, my coat, my car.
She wanted to know, before she fell asleep,
That all her uncle's things were accounted for - 
His shoes paired by the door, his coat
And scarf hung in the closet, his car
Parked by the curb. I wonder why 
We lose this predisposition to care.
I think it must be because, as we live 
Our hard lives, we calcify. Little niece, 
I pray you never do. Stay soft-hearted.