On Jacinta's First Birthday

A year ago, I heard you bloom
Soaked, angry, and hungry
A year ago, you awakened
From the damp darkness
Of your mother's womb
Into the glowing hospital lights
A year ago, I fell in love
With the sounds of your voice
With your dark strands of hair
Your tiny grasping hands
Your small reddish face
Wrinkled in outrage.
Just one year ago.
Three hundred sixty five days
Fifty two weeks.
Countless hours.
A short step of time,
A lifetime ago.
Oh how I have been blessed
Each time I stroked my fingers
Through the fair clumps of your hair
Each time I have kissed your toothless mouth
Each time I held you screaming
As I sang softly into your ears.
Each time I watched you dance
Wiggling your bum on the red carpet.
One year ago.
Just a short waltz of a clock,
But an eternity of love.

nt

Jacinta