Newmade

Wrapped in my womb and under my heart I took you outside tonight
to let the stars shine on you.

I breathed green night air and I stepped on green wings
and I let the stars shine on you.

I walked past the horn of a crescent moon and the sharp blue eyes of the sky
to let the stars shine on you.

I wondered your name and I strained my heart –

– to hear –

– perhaps –

your newmade soul –

and I let the stars shine on you.

Necessity

As a parent I have learned –

That –

Necessity is no respecter

Of necessity.

My back against cold cinderblock –

my six weeks’ babe in arms –

while through the triple window
over wood and waxy leaves
snow falls in slant surprising lines –

And from the big bright room outside,
words too
fall
weighted with a wonderful surprise:

“Thou son of David –
Joseph! –
Fear not.

The virgin is with child.”

So you have seen the Taj Mahal,
Strolled through Paris arrondissements,
Lingered in the light of Chartres’ rose, and
Danced in tropic rains.

While I – ?

Well, I
have curled in the confines of one room,
fed, rocked, guarded, sung and prayed

for one new soul.

But perhaps –

after all, my friends –

I have traveled just as far as you.

I am a fruit tree ripening

with child.

flowerswaitingonchair