Welcoming a new-born child

Nothing like a new member of the family

 to put one in reflective mode! 

Welcome Rowan - born February 2016.

There are few greater joys

than to share in the welcome of a child, new-born.

A miracle, many will say,

Or, better perhaps, an abundance of miracles

who now lies helpless, vulnerable and seemingly forlorn:

likely at the loss of a safe, dark womb.

This scrap of body can be rested entire

in the marvelling crook of my arm.

A rapid pulse at the temples,

fingers with miniscule nails

and silk-soft skin conjoin to disarm

any who, sadly, might wish

this beauteous new-life untimely harm.

Lips and eyelids, active keep

whenever this babe is awake.

Snubbed miniature nostrils

already, the chilly air, fluently take.

Smell, hearing, touch, and taste develop

with unseen advances of tissue and nerves

to meet the multiple challenges

the world, at this child, will serve.

The palm of my hand can cradle

this tiny head, so utterly uncontrolled.

Soft shapely skull, a wonder itself,

for within that fragile, beautiful mould,

a myriad of cells are learning their parts,

as the brain gently expands

and its phenomenal potential begins to unfold.

Other family events/ rites of passage on this blog, include
Wedding Song
Poppies & Nebula (Life, Death and Cosmic Rhythms)

Baptism Song