Seed to fruit to form to person
Infinitesimal comma grows large, delineating as it forms
You come through the pressure of birth and we see
Velvety skin, perfect nubbins of toes on soft curled feet
Soft dark eyes dreamily open and close
fingers extend then curve back, aimless
a heel pushes a leg out longer, then tucks it back
To belly, under a bum that can fit in our palm
Your rosebud mouth is the first sign of your agency, as it searches
for direction
Your experimental sister gets mommy’s orange fan from her purse and fans at your face
this is the first
Breeze
To move air swiftly across your beautiful skin and
Your eyes go wide
and you are
Aware

Fran,
Your word choice is spectacular. I love how you started out as a progression from the seed. The image of a comma, That motion of the heel – I see it! The idea that the mouth is the first sign of agency is so true. And then enters the big sister with the fan! This combination says so much about “welcome” and safety and protection and care and family. You captured your grandson’s first moments so well but also the concept of all newborns so well. Thanks for sharing.
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Oh, this is lovely! As Sally already noted, your word choice is wonderful. I love the turn with the entry of the sister and fan and how this changes the tone of the poem from dreamy to alert and “aware”. Beautiful! Congratulations to all!
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Beautiful.
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Fran, I too have a new grandson, so these lines touch my heart, as did your tag. I simply have no words to describe my awe at this little being and his perfection. I don’t remember feeling this way when my children were born. Perhaps there were too many fears and other stressors that competed for my focus. It’s a paradox. Anyway, love the poem!
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The details are beautifully breathtaking. Love for this new baby clearly radiates. I find it fascinating that you end with describing the baby’s eyes going wide, leaving a vibe of vibrant life.
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Oooh, such gorgeous, precise words in this poem. Congratulations on this new bundle of blessings in your life!
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