Fête des Mères

The first heard heartbeat,
Not of my own
My hidden time-harbour
Nine moons grown

We both bellowed on my arrival
At this wonder of nature
You announced your defiance
I proclaimed my future

From the blooded-knee bandage
Woven from a kiss and a word
To the wiser counsel
Most often unheard

You have watched me climb
Then fall from the bough
Then rise again
You showed me how

With each day's distraction
Beyond the struggle and strife
I'm still opening your present
This gift of life.