I was born yellow
and weeping
in the wake
of fresh grief

Plucked into a tank
and bathed in light
and they covered
my eyes

I was born fearful
and boasted
in the face
of an unworn pain

Lifted to the sky
and baptized
when I opened
my eyes

I was born watchful
and patient,
the silver-lining in a funeral suit
the son of a fatherless man