Onwards by Penny Luker
I held you today,
a scrap of life with wrinkled nose.
Your mesmerizing fragility,
belied by tiny fingers grasping mine
showing strength of steel.
Gentle sleep
is interrupted by powerful cry.
All pink and soft;
you are the centre
of the world.
Your mother’s eyes
are like a waterfall
flowing
your way.
Your father lifts you
into strong safe hands –
your birthright
and his privilege.
How you extend our worlds;
change relationships
yet not a day old.
I become matriarch,
token head of family -
grandmother of cousins.
Another generation
taking its hold
changing my child to parent
just as it should be.
Your sparkling sapphire eyes
enchant and leave us helpless.
Calmed by your mother’s voice
you embrace this outside space
with newness and hope;
bringing us all
the gift of life.
Penny Luker is one of the editors for the writings section at ATG. She writes poems and short stories. Her first book, “Missing and other short stories” has just been published by Lulu.
Visit her website to read more of her work. Web:http://www.thewritingroom.fastmail.fm
