NEWBORN

some thoughts on the birth of our first grandson Leo

Newborn

 

but for these sweet moments

I let the babe sleep

I gaze in rapture

on him lying content

in the crook of my arm

 

newly teased

from womb to world

from dark to light

from warmth to chill

 

flesh of my flesh

my first grandchild

 

these few precious guileless months

of cooing, laughing, gurgling

crying in want, in hunger

before the fall puts word to tongue

words of praise, words of love

words of cunning, words of anger

 

the human stain

the serpents apple

 

but for this moment

the babe sleeps sweetly

newborn, innocent

this pause in time

 

but no blank canvas

his warp and weft

stretch backward and forward

begat upon begat

from past to future

 

from a grandmother, those green eyes

from an Irish bard, that love for words

from a roman peasant, the dimpled cheek

to a grandaughter, that red hair

 

but for this sweet moment

let the babe sleep

innocent as a lamb

for the moment …….

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Congratulations on the birth of your new grandson Alan! Your beautiful poem is panoramic, ecstatic, poignant and contemplative. The photo is precious. Your eloquent, dramatic words convey so skillfilly the hesitancy- the holding of breath- the fragility of the moment...the hopes, the fears, the history, the love above all. Yes, “let the babe sleep” and may God bless him always.

[alanwgraham]

Sorry about these belated thanks for reading this. I was just saying to my son that for his son its as if he's spent his life in the dark of the deep ocean and entered another realm. What a shock!
Regards. Alan

[KCthelastboyscout]

When your children are born you come to realize there is something you love greater than yourself.you cant explain that in words to your kids until they discover it for themselves

[alanwgraham]

Thanks KC. Yes, you are right. Words at inadequate for these things.
Cheers.
Alan

[Kelly Scheppers]

Wow, so eloquent and beautifully written! Congratulations to you and your family. May your joys be endless!

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Kelly. It is great to have this new phase to look forward to.
Regards,
Alan