For Miles on his first birthday
Little Miles One-dimpled smiles Given sparingly at first But then generously A big voice That you aren’t afraid to use If your plans are thwarted. You scared us With your emergency entrance Your mom was calm As your dad drove her to the hospital We were afraid for both of you When I saw your first picture My nurse self was worried. Pale, I thought, but crying loudly Your great grandmas in Heaven Both whispered “He’ll be okay” A blood transfusion for you and one for your mom Both of you pink with that donation You came home to your big brother, Calvin And Opie and Lady, your gentle protectors Dark hair and eyes, Pink chubby cheeks You look like your mom But sometimes your dad I was grateful to hold you Just a few days old And look into your eyes And see you are part Of all of us here and gone You liked laying on your back Watching ceiling fans And shadows. Your teeth grew fast And it made you cranky Early teeth do no good If your diet is only milk Now you ...