Morning air shivers with the smell of birth
Blood and tears, joy and anticipation
My eyes hug the globe of mother and child
I lean closer, to watch the rise and fall of Talia’s chest … half a hand width in size.

I inhale her exhale, weighing her life force
One day, and she has already surpassed her greatest challenge
She has survived.
Life, love, endless possibilities await
Her little body smells of hope.
Talia’s eyes open and the world brightens.

DKL 5/27/14