A Visit
David Baird
The babe which leapt at love’s approach: how might
He fare at its recede? How slept he in
That darkness knowing joy’s proximity?
And distance. Kept untouching-close despite
His world which pressed in soft embrace (how thin
The barricade of flesh same-shared with she
So full of grace!) when cousin-mothers kissed.
What anguish stirred in sinews coiled tight
Round little bones? What grimace gripped small lips
Which whispered wistfully for home? How slight
The distance until waters of rebirth.
Yet he, for tactile unity more near
To this same love felt building deep in earth,
Must yet endure a lifetime’s quarter year.